Self-assembly of C60, SWNTs and few-layer graphene and their binary composites at the organic–aqueous interface

Self-assembly of C60, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and few-layer graphene at the toluene-water interface has been investigated, starting with different concentrations of the nanocarbons in the organic phase and carrying out the assembly to different extents. Morphologies and structures of the films formed at the interface have been investigated by electron microscopy and other techniques. In the case of C60, the films exhibit hcp and fcc structures depending on the starting concentration in the organic phase, the films being single crystalline under certain conditions. Self-assembly of the composites formed by pairs of nanocarbons (C60–SWNT, C60–few-layer graphene and SWNT–few-layer graphene) at the interface has been studied by electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and electronic absorption spectroscopy of the films formed at the interface have revealed the occurrence of charge-transfer interaction between SWNTs and C60 as well as between few-layer graphene and C60.