Thermal Decomposition of Ozonized C₇₀ Fullerene and Its Reducing Properties Toward Silver Ions

Abstract

Ozonized C₇₀ fullerene known as C₇₀ ozopolymer or C₇₀ fullerene polyoxide was thermally decomposed in a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The exothermal decomposition enthalpy was measured together with the activation energy for the thermal decomposition. The decomposition of C₇₀ ozopolymer was also studied with FT-IR spectroscopy showing that the thermal treatment at 350°C under N₂ causes the disappearance of the secondary ozonide groups and a series of the rearrangements of the oxygenated groups present in the compound. The reduction properties of C₇₀ ozopolymer were successfully assessed in the formation of silver nanoparticles from an acqueous solution of Ag⁺ ions.

Keywords:

• C₇₀ ozonide
• DSC
• FTIR
• Thermal decomposition
• Reduction
• Silver nanoparticles