Thermal, sonochemical, and mechanical behaviors of single crystal [60]fullerene nanotubes

Abstract

Although related to conventional carbon nanotubes in both shape and construction, fullerene nanowhiskers and fullerene nanotubes have received far less attention. A modified liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation technique is described to produce relatively uniform batches of [60]fullerene nanotubes in high yield. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveal that the tubes possess approximately 100-nm inside diameters and 300-nm outside diameters. The [60]fullerene nanotubes degrade slowly at 180 degrees C, eventually collapsing into micron scale [60]fullerene discs and rods, as revealed by optical microscopy and AFM. Ultrasonic cavitation chops [60]fullerene nanotubes into smaller segments within seconds. Longer ultrasonic bathing leads to considerable structural damage in which the sidewalls rupture. Mechanical stress tests using an AFM microscope tip effectively dent and break [60]fullerene nanowhiskers, revealing a hollow interior.