ABSTRACT
C60 nanowhiskers (C60NWs) are obtained from the solution growth by using a liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method. The growth of C60NWs is promoted by light illumination. Typical C60NWs are less than 500 nm in diameter and greater than 100 μm in length. Asgrown C60NWs in the solution have a hexagonal solvated structure. The structure is easily changed into a face-centered cubic (fcc) one by the evaporation of solvent molecules in air. The solvated structures exhibit large elastic deformation. Compared with the solvated structures, the fcc structures in air show small elastic deformation, i.e., relative brittleness,. The fcc structures also exhibit semiconductor properties as do intrinsic fcc C60 bulk crystals. Such unique shapes and novel properties of C60NWs are very attractive for various applications in the fields of nanoscale devices, energy, and environment. In this chapter, the growth method and structural characteristics for C60NWs are reviewed. In addition, the mechanical properties related to the structures are shown.
