Electrochemical formation and investigation of a self-assembled [60]fullerene monolayer.
The formation and characterisation of a C(60) monolayer at the electrode|electrolyte interface has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, potential step chronoamperometry and ac voltammetry. The presence of the monolayer is evidenced by the presence of a very sharp peak P in the voltammogram, attributed to the faradaic phase formation of an ordered monolayer, and of a reduction post peak Q associated with the reduction of adsorbed species. The chronoamperograms exhibit a well-defined maximum, characteristic of a nucleation and growth mechanism. By comparison with existing models of phase transitions, a progressive polynucleation and growth mechanism is demonstrated. The monolayer is proposed to consist of a 2D fulleride salt. It is suggested that the formation of the monolayer can take place for a broad range of solution compositions, but requires an atomically smooth substrate such as mercury.
Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK.
Th
T
Doneux
J G
JG
Limon-Petersen
R G
RG
Compton