Fullerenes: Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Fullerenes were initially found to be inert, but their unique cage structure and solubility in organic solvents opened up their susceptibility to functionalization via addition and redox reactions. Endohedral and exohedral derivatives of Buckminster fullerene [C60] have created a niche in the application of carbon nanomaterials in the medical, electronics, energy and water treatment/conservation sectors.