Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, Vol.55, No.10, 4479-4484, 2010
[60]Fullerene in Water: Microemulsion and Nanophase Formation
[60]Fullerene has zero solubility in water and very low solubility in many organic solvents. It was found that it forms reverse micelles in organic solvents in the presence of nonionic surfactants. Reverse micellization studies of fullerene solutions in the presence of a nonionic surfactant (Span60) were carried out, and the thermodynamic quantities of the reverse micellization process derived from experimental results indicate that the process is spontaneous. The solution behavior of the [60]fullerene was understood from its ability to form microemulsions from its toluene solution and water using different nonionic surfactants. Light scattering studies showed that the dimensions of these microemulsions reach a maximum of 170 nm. Phase behavior id different temperatures indicates the very high surface active nature of [60]fullerene.