Temperature Evolution of Quasi-one-dimensional C(60) Nanostructures on Rippled Graphene

We report the preparation of novel quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) C(60) nanostructures on rippled graphene. Through careful control of the subtle balance between the linear periodic potential of rippled graphene and the C(60) surface mobility, we demonstrate that C(60) molecules can be arranged into a quasi-1D C(60) chain structure with widths of two to three molecules. At a higher annealing temperature, the quasi-1D chain structure transitions to a more compact hexagonal close packed quasi-1D stripe structure. This first experimental realization of quasi-1D C(60) structures on graphene may pave a way for fabricating new C(60)/graphene hybrid structures for future applications in electronics, spintronics and quantum information.