Lu2@C82 Nanorods with Enhanced Photoluminescence and Photoelectrochemical Properties.

One-dimensional (1D) single-crystalline hexagonal nanorods of Lu2@C3v(8)-C82 were prepared for the first time using the liquid-liquid interface precipitation (LLIP) method from the interfaces between carbon disulfide (CS2) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The length of the nanorods can be readily controlled by varying the concentration of the Lu2@C82 solution in addition to the volume ratio of CS2 to IPA. The latter factor also exhibits a significant influence on the morphology of the crystals. The crystalline structure of the nanorods has been investigated by XRD and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), suggesting a face-centered cubic structure. Photoluminescence of the Lu2@C82 nanorods shows a remarkable enhancement as compared to that of pristine Lu2@C82 powder because of the high crystallinity. Furthermore, we have investigated the photoelectrochemical properties of Lu2@C82 nanorods, proving their potential applications as photodetectors.