Prospects and research progress in nano onion-like fullerenes

As an important member of the fullerene family, nano onion-like fullerenes (NOLFs) have a unique hollow cage and concentric shell structure, which endow them with some special properties. Based on these properties, many potential applications, such as energy storage materials, high-performance and high-temperature wear-resistance materials, superconductive materials and biomaterials, have been widely proposed. This review summarizes some of the major achievements in the field of NOLFs, including structure, preparation, growth mechanism, purification, functionalization, and properties. Possible applications are also suggested.