Synthesis and high pressure induced amorphization of C60 nanosheets

C 60 nanosheets with thicknesses in the nanometer range were synthesized by a simple method. Compared to bulk C60, the lattice of the nanosheets is expanded by about 0.4%. In situ Raman spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction under high pressures have been employed to study the structure of the nanosheets. The studies indicate that the bulk modulus of the C60 nanosheets is significantly larger than that of bulk C60. The C60 cages in nanosheets can persist at pressures over 30GPa, 3GPa higher than for bulk C60. These results suggest that C60 crystals in even small size will be a potential candidate of superhard materials.