Synthesis of fullerene nanowhiskers using the liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method and their mechanical, electrical and superconducting properties

Fullerene nanowhiskers (FNWs) are thin crystalline fibers composed of fullerene molecules, including C(60), C(70), endohedral, or functionalized fullerenes. FNWs display n-type semiconducting behavior and are used in a diverse range of applications, including field-effect transistors, solar cells, chemical sensors, and photocatalysts. Alkali metal-doped C(60) (fullerene) nanowhiskers (C(60)NWs) exhibit superconducting behavior. Potassium-doped C(60)NWs have realized the highest superconducting volume fraction of the alkali metal-doped C(60) crystals and display a high critical current density (J(c)) under a high magnetic field of 50 kOe. The growth control of FNWs is important for their success in practical applications. This paper reviews recent FNWs research focusing on their mechanical, electrical and superconducting properties and growth mechanisms in the liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method.