C60 oxide as a key component of aqueous C60 colloidal suspensions.
Stable aqueous fullerene colloidal suspensions (nC(60)) are demonstrated to rely on the [6,6]-closed epoxide derivative of the fullerene (C(60)O) for stability. This derivative is present, though often unrecognized, in small quantities in nearly all C(60) starting materials due to a reaction with air. The low-yield formation of nC(60) from organic solvent solutions results from a preferential partitioning and thus enrichment of C(60)O in the colloidal particles. This partitioning is significantly retarded in the nC(60) synthesis method that does not involve organic solvent solutions: long-term stirring in water. Instead, this method relies on trace levels of ozone in the ambient atmosphere to produce sufficient C(60)O at the surfaces of the nC(60) particles to allow stable suspension in water. Controlled-atmosphere syntheses, deliberate C(60)O enrichment, light scattering measurements, and extraction followed by HPLC analysis and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy support the above model of nC(60) formation and stabilization.
Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, 022 Physical Sciences, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States.
Befrika S
BS
Murdianti
Joshua T
JT
Damron
Martha E
ME
Hilburn
Randall D
RD
Maples
Rangika S
RS
Hikkaduwa Koralege
Satish I
SI
Kuriyavar
Kevin D
KD
Ausman
D000388:Air; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003102:Colloids; D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D008027:Light; D010126:Ozone / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013010:Sonication; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013535:Suspensions / Q000737:chemistry*; D014050:Toluene / Q000737:chemistry; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D003102:Colloids; D037741:Fullerenes; D013535:Suspensions; D014867:Water; D014050:Toluene; D010126:Ozone