The synthesis of C60@MWCNT was carried out at room temperature (~25℃) from arc-discharge prepared Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). They were oxidized and acid treated for tube opening. Then C60 molecules were encapsulated into MWCNTs by wetting them with C60-toluene solution for several minutes followed by ultrasonification. C60@MWCNT was cleaned by pure toluene to remove any excess C60. C60@MWCNT was characterized by electron microscopy, which showed large scale filling of C60 into MWCNTs. It was observed that the mechanism of insertion of C60 into MWCNTs may be due to the capillary suction at the opening ends of MWCNTs.

• Vinay Gupta(Carbon Technology Unit, National Physical Laboratory)
• Om P. Bahl(Carbon Technology Unit, National Physical Laboratory)
• Rakesh B. Mathur(Carbon Technology Unit, National Physical Laboratory)