Fullerene Peapods: In-situ Conductivity Study During Synthesis

We report in-situ measurement of the conductivity during the synthesis of C60-filled single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), so-called fullerene peapods. The synthesis was performed in a sealed quartz tube at 773 K by using the sublimation of C60 into the hollow space of the SWNTs. The change in the resistance in the SWNT buckypaper was monitored during the C60-filling process, and the temperature dependence of the resistance was compared to that for empty SWNTs and fullerene peapods. The SWNT networks became more metallic due to the encapsulation of C60, and a reduced temperature dependence of the resistivity was observed in the peapods, with an overall decrease in the resistivity. The interaction between the SWNT and C60 molecules, changing the electronic properties of SWNTs, can provide a way to functionalize the SWNTs.