A new amphiphilic-like C60 derivative (DTMF) with hydrophobic–hydrophilic–hydrophobic structure was synthesized and characterized. DTMF can form nanospheres with an average size of 50–100 nm in water. Gold nanoparticles with∼ 10 nm diameters are self-assembled onto the surface of DTMF nanospheres via the in situ reduction of HAuCl4 in the aqueous solution of DTMF nanospheres. The optical limiting performance of the aqueous solution ...