Observation of ordered phases of fullerenes in carbon nanotubes.

We have assembled molecular arrays of C60 inside double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) with internal diameters of 11-26 A and directly observed the existence of different crystalline phases of C60 previously predicted theoretically. The structure of the encapsulated C60 crystal is defined by the internal diameter of the DWNT, as the molecules adjust their packing arrangement in order to maximize van der Waals interactions. We have also shown that fullerenes in C(60)@DWNT interact with the outer layer of DWNTs, as demonstrated by the efficient filling of DWNTs with internal diameters of less than 12 A.