Nano-extraction and nano-condensation for C60 incorporation into single-wall carbon nanotubes in liquid phases

We have established two new methods that enable incorporation of guest molecules into single-wall carbon nanotubes in liquid phases. Owing to their unique mechanisms, we call them nano-extraction and nano-condensation methods. To make Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that have incorporated C-60 ((C-60)(n)@SWNT) through nanoextraction, We Put C-60 and SWNTs in ethanol for 1 day, during which the C-60 molecules deposited themselves inside the SWNTs. In the case of nano-condensation, we formed thin layers of C-60-toluene saturated solution on SWNT surfaces and then obtained (C-60)(n)@SWNT within a few seconds. Reasonable explanations for these incorporation mechanisms are presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.