Abstract
Arc discharging carbon rods containing 8.8 wt% La2O3 produces a carbonaceous deposit containing nano-particles (nm-size particles) consisting of graphite shells around core nano-crystals averaging 10-30 nm in diameter but sometimes 3-4 nm. Transmission electron microscopy, nm-size electron diffraction and electron energy-loss spectroscopy have revealed that the nano-crystals are La-carbide, LaC2, that the interfaces between the carbide and the graphite are flat, and that no intermediate layers are formed.