Synthesis and solid-state studies of self-assembled C60 microtubes

C60 microtubes were fabricated by a modified solution evaporation method, evaporating a solution of C60 in toluene in an atmosphere of m-xylene at room temperature. The C60 microtubes have outer diameters ranging from 2 to 8 μm. IR spectra, TG analysis and X-ray diffraction showed a solvated structure for the as-grown C60 microtubes. Through a gentle heat-treatment in vacuum, pure C60 microtubes with single crystalline fcc structure were obtained after the elimination of solvents. It is suggested that the C60 microtubes form through self-assembly from several individual C60 nanorods.

Research Highlights
► C60 microtubes were fabricated by a modified solution evaporation method.
► The sum molar of m-xylene and toluene doped in as-grown microtubes is that of C60.
► Single crystalline microtubes with pure C60 were obtained though heat-treatment.
► The microtubes were assembled with individual C60 nanorods.