title: Spontaneous emergence of long-range shape symmetry.
abstract: Self-organization of matter is essential for natural pattern formation, chemical synthesis, as well as modern material science. Here we show that isovolumetric reactions of a single organometallic precursor allow symmetry breaking events from iron nuclei to the creation of different symmetric carbon structures: microspheres, nanotubes, and mirrored spiraling microcones. A mathematical model, based on mass conservation and chemical composition, quantitatively explains the shape growth. The genesis of such could have significant implications for material design.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. h.shiozawa@surrey.ac.uk
authors.forename: Hidetsugu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shiozawa
authors.forename: Anne C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Skeldon
authors.forename: David J B
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Vlad
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stolojan
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: S Ravi P
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Silva