Self-Assembled Nanostructure of C60-Amphiphilic Molecules Complex in Aqueous Solution: A Small Angle Neutron Scattering Study

In this research, self-assembled nanostructures of C60-agents dispersed in water were investigated using the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. SANS measurements of the C60-agent (surfactant and block copolymers) dispersions showed that clumps of several C60 molecules remain aggregated after ultrasonication and that the C60 aggregates are encapsulated by the agent (surfactants or polymers), existing as a stable dispersion in water. While the shell thickness of dispersed C60-agents (2.04 nm-3.41 nm) differs according to the surfactants and polymers, the formation of C60 aggregates with 4 or 5 fullerenes, where the radius of the C60 aggregates = ca. 0.67 nm was not affected. The UV-vis spectrum of the dispersions further supports the formation of C60 aggregates.