Formation and structures of C60 nanowhiskers with high strength and large elasticity

Formation and structure of toughened C60 nanowhiskers (C60NWs) were investigated. C60NWs are modified when pristine ones grown by a liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method are kept in the growth solution for more than 3 years. The modified ones have a hexagonal solvated structure not only in the solution but also in air or a vacuum. The modified ones exhibit high strength and large elastic deformation in air, quite differing from the brittle in pristine ones in air.