Creation of 1D [60]fullerene superstructures and its polymerization by γ-ray irradiation

Conventional sublimable solid solvents such as naphthalene, ferrocene and camphor finely dissolve [60]fullerene (C₆₀) in the solution state. After cooling to room temperature and removal of the solid solvents from the composites, C₆₀ forms fibrous superstructures that are characterized by scanning electron microscopy. X-Ray powder diffraction study and ATR/IR analysis show that the C₆₀ superstructures preserve the fcc lattice as in pristine C₆₀. NMR together with elemental analysis reveals the presence of significantly less solvent in the superstructures. We have attempted to immobilize or polymerize the superstructures by a γ-ray irradiation technique that eventually leads to the formation of a rod-like fullerene polymer. HR-TEM and photoluminescence studies support the formation of the superstructures and the subsequent γ-ray induced polymerization of C ₆₀, which will provide new avenues for the realistic application of these with unprecedented materials properties.