Reproducible synthesis of C60@SWNT in 90% yields

In previous works, we have shown our discovery of C60@SWNT and first described the general mechanism of filling, which involves the vapor phase transport of C60 molecules to openings in the SWNTs' walls. Here, we discuss the high-yield synthesis of C60@SWNT by refinements to our method. Yields are measured by a calibrated weight uptake technique, a methodology that is not subject to many of the potential pitfalls inherent to other techniques that have been applied. At certain processing conditions, yields exceeding 90% were obtained and corroborated by transmission electron microscopy. From our data, we determine the parameters most important for creating endohedral SWNT supramolecular assemblies by the vapor phase method. Our results pave the way for successful single-tube measurements and for high-yield filling with nonfullerenes. Comments Copyright Materials Research Society. Reprinted from MRS Proceedings Volume 706. 2001 Fall Meeting Symposium Z Making Functional Materials with Nanotubes Publisher URL: http://www.mrs.org/members/proceedings/fall2001/z/Z3_13.pdf This conference paper is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/mse_papers/18 Reproducible synthesis of C60@SWNT in 90% yields Brian W. Smith, Richard M. Russo, S.B. Chikkannanavar, Ferenc Stercel, David E. Luzzi University of Pennsylvania, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6272, USA