The influence of solvents on the formation of one-dimensional fullerene (C ₆₀ ) nanowhiskers

One dimensional fullerene nanowhiskers (C60NWs) were formed using the liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method in two solvent systems: (1) m-xylene and IPA, and (2) chlorobenzene and IPA, respectively. Various analytical techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and XPS, were utilized to characterize the samples. SEM results showed that m-xylene promoted the formation of C60NWs with fibrous structures, while chlorobenzene promoted the formation of crystalline particles. TEM revealed hole-like structures on the surface of both self-assembled crystals. M-xylene led to more ordered structures due to its slower evaporation and lower solubility of C60, while chlorobenzene enhanced fcc phase formation due to its faster crystallization and higher solubility of fullerene. Raman spectra revealed that self-assembled C60 retains molecular integrity. Higher concentrations enhanced structural order, increasing Ag(2) band intensity and symmetry. Chlorobenzene also stabilized the carbon structure, aiding fullerene self-assembly. Thus, this article emphasizes the critical role of solvent selection in determining the C60NWs' structure and its characteristics. The obtained results open the way to the selective synthesis of C60NWs, which can potentially expand the scope of its application in various fields.