Reaction of Water-Stable C60 Aggregates with Ozone

• Published in: Environmental science & technology 2007-11, Vol.41 (21), p.7497-7502
• Main Authors: Fortner, John D, Kim, Doo-Il, Boyd, Adina M, Falkner, Joshua C, Moran, Sean, Colvin, Vicki L, Hughes, Joseph B, Kim, Jae-Hong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes - chemistry; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Furans - chemistry; Global environmental pollution; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Materials science; Ozone - chemistry; Physics; Pollution; Solubility; Specific materials; Water - chemistry
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es0708058

While the reactivity of C60 has been described in a variety of organic solvents, little information is available regarding aqueous-based reactions due to solubility limitations. In this study, a reaction between C60, as a nanoscale suspension, and dissolved ozone in the aqueous phase was investigated. Findings indicate a facile reaction occurs, resulting in aggregate dissolution concurrent with formation of water-soluble fullerene oxide species. Product analyses, including 13C NMR, MS (LDI), FTIR, UV−Vis, and XPS, indicate highly oxidized fullerene with an average of ∼29 oxygen additions per molecule, arranged in repeating hydroxyl and hemiketal functionalities. These findings are significant in that they (1) demonstrate the feasibility of other aqueous-based fullerene chemistries, including those for alternative synthesis routes, which might otherwise be considered prohibitive on the basis of solubility limitations, and (2) imply that the aqueous reactivity of fullerene-based materials must be considered appropriately for accurate assessment of their transport, fate, and potential risk(s) in environmental systems.