Optimization of the solvent-exchange process for high-yield synthesis of aqueous fullerene dispersions

Abstract

The ultrasound-assisted solvent-exchange technique for aqueous fullerene dispersions (AFD) of C60 (10−4 – 10−6 M) have been improved for high-yield synthesis, thereby achieving AFDs with total recovery over 90 %. Using ICP-AES, HPLC-UV, HGC-MS, the elemental and residual organic compounds have been estimated as not exceeding 3 ppm. The possible structure of fullerene clusters in AFD was assumed as {n[C60]mC6H5COO−(m − x)Na+}xNa+.