Understanding the Formation Process of Exceptionally Long Fullerene-Based Nanowires

In a recent study [1], it was demonstrated that exceptionally long fullerene nanowires, with a length-to-width aspect ratio as large as approx3000-5000, can be grown from 1, 2, 4-trimethylbenzene solution of C{sub 60}. We have performed a thorough theoretical analysis, aiming at gaining an in-depth understanding of the exceptionally large aspect ratio of C{sub 60}-based nanowires. By accounting for different interactions in the system we have calculated the structures of the unit cell and determined the role of the fullerene and of the solvent molecules in the crystallization process of the nanowires. We have calculated the adhesion energy of C{sub 60} molecules to the nanowire surface, and on the basis of this explained the growth anisotropy of the crystal. To get a more profound understanding of the nanowire growth mechanism we have also considered the influence of electron polarization on the growth anisotropy and studied the possible polymerization reactions occurred between the C{sub 60} and the solvent molecules.