Self-Assembling Supramolecular Nanostructures from a C60 Derivative: Nanorods and Vesicles

Simple modification of solution conditions provides facile access to supramolecular fullerene nanostructures. The fullerene derivative shown self-assembles to give nanorods or vesicles. The nanorods have diameters of 10-250 nm, depending on the counterion, and lengths greater than 70 µm. If ultrasonication is used, no nanorods form, but vesicles result having diameters of 10-70 nm and wall thicknesses of 3-6 nm.