C60 in Water: Aggregation Characterization, Reactivity and Behavior

[摘要] Industrial scale production, coupled with unique material properties, underpinrising concerns of nano-scale materials inadvertently impacting the health and function ofnatural systems. Fullerenes, C60 in particular, have been proposed for a variety ofapplications and are soon expected to be produced in multi-ton quantities. Understandinghow these materials behave in natural matrixes, specifically aqueous systems, is neededfor accurate risk assessment and to manage waste disposal practices appropriately.Research presented here addresses outstanding questions and expands uponcurrent knowledge regarding C60 nano-scale aggregation in water (nano-C60). Four areasof focus are: 1.) Aggregate formation, composition, and stability 2.) Reactivity with adissolved reactant (ozone) 3.) Association with mineral surfaces and 4.) Interaction withselected biological systems. Results indicate that aggregates are crystalline in order andremain as underivatized C60 throughout the formation/stabilization process. Theaggregate suspensions readily react with dissolved ozone resulting in a molecularlysoluble, highly oxidized fullerene. Furthermore, nano-C60 associates with mineralsurfaces as a function of surface charge and is observed to accumulate at the cell wall of afungal culture. Taken together, results indicate that nano-scale, fullerene aggregates mustbe considered appropriately, as they deviate from predictions based on bulk andmolecular property estimates.

[发布机构] Rice University

[效力级别] engineering