Vertically Aligned C60 Microtube Array

Abstract

The liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP) process can be modified as kinetic control of precipitation of C60 crystals is possible. In the modified LLIP process, fast precipitation condition gives the fine nanowhiskers, while slow precipitation induces microtubes. The LLIP process for C60 fullerene consists of simple steps: preparation of C60 solution, slow addition of 2-propanol or other kinds of alcohols, called precipitator, to form an interface between C60 solution and precipitator; and waiting for slow diffusion of precipitator in C60 solution to form nanowhiskers at certain temperature. The chapter introduces some new attempts for a kinetically controlled LLIP process, modified from a typical LLIP process, and shows a vertically aligned C60 microtube array, a product of the kinetically controlled LLIP process. Considering classical nucleation and growth mechanism, the control of supersaturation during the process by addition of alcohol can control the morphology and growth behavior of the fullerene crystals.