Synthesis of Fullerene [60] Polyvinyl Pyridine Composites in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

A synthetic route to prepare fullerene [60] polyvinyl pyridine composites (FPVPC) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) is presented. The synthetic route involve 2, 2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) initiated free radical polymerization of vinyl pyridine (VPY) in presence of fullerene [60] (C60) under various conditions in scCO₂. This has afforded FPVPC ranging yield (%): 8.08-72.79, C60 content (wt%): 1.35–7.25, and rheoviscosity: 0.20–0.75 (mPaS), respectively. The formation of FPVPC has been ascertained through Uv-vis, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR spectra, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Elemental composition of FPVPC has been deduced qualitatively through laser-induced breakdown spectra using a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser emitting at 1,064 nm, with 28 nanoseconds pulse duration as excitation source. Effect of C60 content on thermal properties of FPVPC has been studied through simultaneous thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis–differential thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry.

Keywords:

• Fullerene [60]
• Polyvinyl pyridine
• supercritical carbon dioxide
• composites
• spectra
• morphology
• thermal properties

Acknowledgment

The financial assistance granted by the Government of India vide reference No. ERIP/ ER/ 0403449/ M/ 01 dated January 3, 2005, under the project entitled “Synthesis of C60 caged polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide” has been acknowledged.