Vortex fluidic high shear induced crystallisation of fullerene C into nanotubules

Hollow C 70 nanotubules are formed under high shear within the thin film of a vortex fluidic device (VFD) without the need for using auxiliary reagents, high temperatures and pressures, and/or requiring downstream processing. This novel bottom-up crystallisation process involves intense micro mixing of two liquids (toluene solution of C 70 and anti-solvent, isopropyl alcohol) within a thin film in the VFD to precisely control the hierarchical assembly of C 70 molecules into hollow nanotubules. The mechanism of self-assembly was consistent with them being a mould of the high shear double helical topological flow from Faraday waves coupled with Coriolis forces generated within the thin film. A new bottom-up crystallisation process for controlling the self-assembly of C 70 molecules into hollow 'fcc' nanotubules under non equilibrium conditions while adopting the principles of green chemistry.