Hierarchical aqueous self-assembly of C60 nano-whiskers and C60-silver nano-hybrids under continuous flow.

Iyer, K Swaminathan; Raston, Colin L; Saunders, Martin · Lab Chip · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The ubiquitous starch-iodine complex can be used to organize hydrophobic fullerene C(60) in water into nano-whiskers shrouded by the biopolymer, and are approximately 5-8 nm in cross section, and 250-350 nm in length, as a hierarchical self assembly process. The preformed starch-iodine complex reacts with solid pristine C(60) affording nano-whiskers with iodine surrounding the fullerene array, the iodine then being removed on treatment with ascorbic acid. The hydrophobic surface of the nano-whiskers of C(60) can be coated with silver metal in a controlled way using 'soft energy' spinning disc processing.