Endohedral fullerene

Endohedral fullerene

M3N@C80-CNT

Endohedral fullerene

Endohedral fullerenes are a class of fullerenes in which atoms, ions, or clusters are trapped inside the carbon cage structure of the fullerene. These unique molecules are of significant interest in the fields of nanotechnology, materials science, and chemistry due to their distinctive properties and potential applications.

Structure

The structure of endohedral fullerenes consists of a fullerene cage, typically composed of 60 or more carbon atoms, encapsulating one or more guest species. The most common fullerene cage is the buckminsterfullerene (C60), but other cages such as C70, C76, and C84 are also used. The encapsulated species can range from single atoms to complex clusters, including metals, noble gases, and molecules.

Synthesis

The synthesis of endohedral fullerenes can be achieved through several methods, including:

• Arc Discharge Method: This involves generating a plasma arc between two carbon electrodes in the presence of the guest species.
• Laser Ablation: A high-powered laser is used to vaporize a carbon target in the presence of the guest species.
• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This method involves the decomposition of carbon-containing gases in the presence of the guest species at high temperatures.

Properties

Endohedral fullerenes exhibit unique physical and chemical properties due to the interaction between the encapsulated species and the carbon cage. These properties include:

• Enhanced Stability: The encapsulated species can stabilize the fullerene cage, making it more resistant to chemical reactions.
• Magnetic Properties: Encapsulated magnetic atoms or clusters can impart magnetic properties to the fullerene.
• Electronic Properties: The presence of encapsulated species can alter the electronic structure of the fullerene, affecting its conductivity and other electronic properties.

Applications

Endohedral fullerenes have potential applications in various fields, including:

• Medicine: They can be used for drug delivery, MRI contrast agents, and radiotherapy.
• Electronics: Their unique electronic properties make them suitable for use in molecular electronics and quantum computing.
• Materials Science: They can be used to create new materials with tailored properties for specific applications.

Related Pages

• Fullerene
• Buckminsterfullerene
• Nanotechnology
• Materials science
• Chemistry
• Molecular electronics
• Quantum computing