Fullerene

About: Fullerene is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 12723 publications have been published within this topic receiving 359173 citations.

Electronic states and transitions in C60 and C70 fullerenes

Abstract: A review of the most relevant aspects of fullerene electronic structure and spectroscopy is presented. Experimental data and their interpretation based on computational results are discussed both for fullerene C60 and C70, with particular attention to the properties of the isolated molecule. Concerning singlet state spectroscopy, it is shown that because of its high symmetry, only dipole-forbidden electronic states are found in the low excitation energy region of C60. Conversely, the lowering of symmetry in C70 leads to several complications in its electronic structure and spectroscopy, due to the presence of weakly allowed transitions in the low excitation energy region. A slightly less congested distribution of low lying excited states characterizes the triplet manifold of the fullerenes. It is concluded that while C60 is important in aiding understanding of the main features in electronic spectroscopy of fullerenes, such as the presence of strong absorptions in the high energy range, its spectra are deeply influenced by its high symmetry and are very peculiar. On the other hand, C70, with its lower symmetry and more complex spectra, represents a more realistic model for the intricate details of the electronic structure and electronic spectroscopy of larger and smaller fullerenes and their derivatives, which are generally characterized by lower symmetry compared to C60.

Toxicity and biocompatibility of carbon nanoparticles.

Abstract: A review is presented of the literature data concerning the effects induced by carbon nanoparticles on the biological environment and the importance of these effects in human and animal health The discovery in 1985 of fullerenes, a novel carbon allotrope with a polygonal structure made up solely by 60 carbon atoms, and in 1991 of carbon nanotubes, thin carbon filaments (1-3 microm in length and 1-3 nm in diameter) with extraordinary mechanical properties, opened a wide field of activity in carbon research During the last few years, practical applications of fullerenes as biological as well as pharmacological agents have been investigated Various fullerene-based compounds were tested for biological activity, including antiviral, antioxidant, and chemiotactic activities Nanotubes consist of carbon atoms arranged spirally to form concentric cylinders, that are perfect crystals and thinner than graphite whiskers They are stronger than steel but very flexible and lightweight and transfer heat better than any other known material These characteristics make them suitable for various potential applications such as super strong cables and tips for scanning probe microscopes, as well as biomedical devices for drug delivery, medical diagnostic, and therapeutic applications The effects induced by these nanostructures on rat lung tissues, as well as on human skin and human macrophage and keratinocyte cells are presented