Temperature Evolution of Quasi-one-dimensional C60 Nanostructures on Rippled Graphene

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the controlled formation and temperature-dependent evolution of one-dimensional C60 nanostructures on rippled graphene, revealing potential for novel electronic and quantum device applications.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental realization of 1D C60 structures on graphene and explores their temperature-induced structural transitions.

Findings

C60 molecules form 1D chains on rippled graphene.

Higher annealing temperatures induce transition to quasi-1D stripe structures.

Potential for fabricating C60/graphene hybrid structures for advanced technologies.

Abstract

We report the preparation of novel one-dimensional (1D) C60 nanostructures on rippled graphene. Through careful control of the subtle balance between the linear periodic potential of rippled graphene and the C60 surface mobility, we demonstrate that C60 molecules can be arranged into a 1D C60 chain structure with widths of two to three molecules. At a higher annealing temperature, the 1D chain structure transitions to a more compact hexagonal close packed quasi-1D stripe structure. This first experimental realization of 1D C60 structures on graphene may pave a way for fabricating new C60/graphene hybrid structures for future applications in electronics, spintronics and quantum information.