C70 fullerene

C70 fullerene is a molecule composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Specifically, C70 fullerene refers to the molecular structure with 70 carbon atoms, forming a shape that is not perfectly spherical but rather elongated, resembling a rugby ball. This structure is a member of the fullerene family, which includes the more famous C60 fullerene or buckminsterfullerene, and it represents a significant subject of study within the fields of nanotechnology, material science, and organic chemistry.

Structure and Properties

The structure of C70 fullerene is characterized by a unique arrangement of carbon atoms, with 70 vertices forming a closed cage via 25 hexagons and 12 pentagons, adhering to Euler's theorem. Unlike C60, which is an exact icosahedron, C70 adopts a more elongated shape due to the additional carbon atoms. This elongation affects its electronic properties, making C70 less symmetric and altering its chemical reactivity compared to C60.

C70 fullerene exhibits interesting physical properties, including the ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures. It is also characterized by a relatively high electron affinity and the ability to form donor-acceptor complexes with various types of atoms and molecules, which is a valuable trait for applications in molecular electronics and photovoltaics.

Synthesis

C70 fullerene is typically synthesized through the arc-discharge method in a helium or argon atmosphere, a process similar to that used for the production of C60. This method involves vaporizing carbon in an electric arc between carbon electrodes in an inert atmosphere. The resulting soot contains a mixture of various fullerenes, from which C70 can be separated using chromatography techniques.

Applications

The unique properties of C70 fullerene have led to its investigation for use in various applications. In photovoltaics, C70 is explored as an electron acceptor material in organic solar cells due to its good electron-accepting properties and ability to absorb a broader range of the solar spectrum compared to C60. In medicine, research is ongoing into its potential use for drug delivery systems, given its ability to cross biological barriers and its compatibility with various drugs and therapeutic molecules. Additionally, C70 is studied for its use in organic transistors and sensors, leveraging its electronic properties.

Safety and Environmental Impact

As with other nanomaterials, the safety and environmental impact of C70 fullerene are subjects of ongoing research. Concerns have been raised regarding their potential toxicity and the effects of their accumulation in the environment. Studies are being conducted to assess these impacts and to develop guidelines for the safe handling and disposal of fullerene-based materials.

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