Main Research Results

1. Development of fullerene nano-supramolecular structures

   Contact to NAKANISHI.Takashi@nims.go.jp     

       Fullerenes have been paid much attention due to their unique electronic and photonic functions. However, their properties are usually investigated in molecularly dispersed states (i.e. solutions), and so the fullerenes have not so far been realized as useful materials. Fabrication of fullerene assemblies of well defined structure and with nanometer-size precision should open ways for their use in practical applications. We have successfully prepared nanosized objects, such as fullerene spherical aggregates (Figure 1) and fullerene parallel nanowires (Figure 2), through self-assembly processes of fullerene derivatives, as well as fabrication of fibrous, disk-like, tubular, hone-like, and flower-like structures. These objects are expected to be used as functional components of nano-sized electronic devices.
   
   [Collaborative research with Dr. D. G. Kurth (MPI, Germany)]

   Figure 1.  Fullerene spherical aggregate

   Figure 2.  Fullerene parallel nanowires