Novel scroll peapod produced by spontaneous scrolling of graphene onto fullerene string

Abstract

Novel scroll peapods are fabricated simply by utilizing the spontaneous scrolling mechanism of graphene onto fullerene string. The basic interaction between the graphene and the fullerene string is investigated, and the mechanism of the formation of the scroll peapod is explained in particular. The formation of the scroll peapod and its formation time are influenced by the combined effects of fullerene number, diameter and graphene size. It is also worth noting that narrow graphene nanoribbon wrapped onto a C₇₂₀ bean can form a particular helical peapod. Higher temperature slows the scrolling dynamics, and even hinders the formation of the scroll peapod. This study provides a scientific basis for producing scroll peapods simply, and eventually their applications in various areas.