RESUMO
The dynamics of confined systems is of major concern for both fundamental physics and applications. In this Letter, the dynamics of C60 fullerene molecules inside single walled carbon nanotubes is studied using inelastic neutron scattering. We identify the C60 vibrations and highlight their sensitivity to temperature. Moreover, a clear signature of rotational diffusion of the C60 is evidenced, which persists at lower temperature than in 3D bulk C60. It is discussed in terms of confinement and of reduced dimensionality of the C60 chain.
RESUMO
The discovery of nanostructured forms of molecular carbon has led to renewed interest in the varied properties of this element. Both graphite and C60 can be electron-doped by alkali metals to become superconducting; transition temperatures of up to 52 K have been attained by field-induced hole-doping of C60 (ref. 2). Recent experiments and theoretical studies have suggested that electronic instabilities in pure graphite may give rise to superconducting and ferromagnetic properties, even at room temperature. Here we report the serendipitous discovery of strong magnetic signals in rhombohedral C60. Our intention was to search for superconductivity in polymerized C60; however, it appears that our high-pressure, high-temperature polymerization process results in a magnetically ordered state. The material exhibits features typical of ferromagnets: saturation magnetization, large hysteresis and attachment to a magnet at room temperature. The temperature dependences of the saturation and remanent magnetization indicate a Curie temperature near 500 K.
