Interaction energy between fullerene molecules when immersed in nondipolar solvents

Abstract

Recently we have calculated the interaction energy between fullerenes in free space. It has subsequently come to our attention that many experiments involving fullerene solutions have been realized. Here, we generalize earlier work of Robinson and March, on the reduction of the magnitude of the dispersion interaction between argon atoms in free space when part of dense liquid argon, to apply to an assembly of fullerene molecules in nondipolar solvents such as CCl₄, CS₂, and CSe₂. The refractive index of such solvents is shown to play a major role in reducing the long-range interaction below its free-space value.

Keywords:

• Fullerenes in solution
• Clausius–Mossotti equation
• Solvent effect

Acknowledgements

N.H.M. completed his contribution to this study during a visit to Pisa in 2006. He wishes to thank Professor M. P. Tosi for generous hospitality and for the most stimulating atmosphere at the Scuola Normale Superiore.