Near-Infrared Laser-Induced Decomposition of C60 Dissolved in Toluene

Abstract

Abstract In this paper we describe the efficient and substantial decomposition of C60 in toluene solution, induced by moderate intensity (I = 20 - 55 MW cm−2) near infrared (γ = 1064 nm) laser radiation. This behavior is surprising since both uncharged fullerene and toluene do not have any absorption bands at this wavelength. The decomposition efficiency and products are investigated with UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid-chromatography (HPLC). Possible mechanisms of the fullerene decomposition are discussed.