Fullerenes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Certification………………………………………………………………………...ii
Dedication…………………………………………………………………………..iii
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………iv
Table of contents………………………………………………………….............v
Abstract………...…………………………………………....……………………..vi
1.0Introduction……………………………………………………………........….1
2.0 TheBuckminsterfullerene (C60)………………………………….…………..2
3.0Discovery/Origin of Buckminsterfullerene………………………..…………3
4.0Production of Fullerenes………………………………………………………6
      4.1 Method of Fullerene Synthesis…………………………………………..7
      4.2 A Mechanism for Fullerene formation…………………………………..8
5.0 Properties of Buckminsterfullerene……………………………….………...11
       5.1 Physical properties…………………………………………….…………11
       5.2 Chemical properties………………………………………………………11
6.0 Applications of Fullerenes…………………………………………....……….14
       6.1 Tumor research…………………………………………………….……..14
       6.2 Antioxidants…………………………………………………………..……16
       6.3 Chemical sensors…………………………………………………………17
       6.4 Superconductors......…………………………………………………..…17
       6.5 Solar cells………….……………………………………………………....18
7.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………........19
      References……………………………………………………………………....20
ABSTRACT
This seminar reviews Fullerenes and their applications in science and technology. Fullerenes
are molecules composed entirely of carbon that were discovered in 1985 at Rice
University, Texas. This seminar also explores the molecular structure of these
molecules and different synthesis methods used nowadays. Many of the practical
applications of Fullerenes follow directly from their extraordinary properties.
Relevant chemical and physical properties are discussed, which make Fullerenes
essential components for the future of nanoelectrochemical systems. In many
cases, the necessity of building organic compounds leads to the exploitation of
nanostructures like Fullerenes. These molecules bring to the word engineering
flexibility and promising applications in electrical, military and medical
fields.