Fullerene C60 (buckminsterfullerene, CAS 99685-96-8) — the soccer-ball-shaped molecule of 60 carbon atoms — was the discovery that launched the era of carbon nanomaterials. Three decades on, C60 has moved from pure curiosity to a commercially available material for research, electronics, cosmetics and advanced composites. This article covers its structure, production methods, applications and buying considerations.
1. What Is Fullerene C60?
Fullerene C60 is a closed-cage molecule of 60 carbon atoms arranged as 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons — the shape of a soccer ball (truncated icosahedron). Each carbon is sp2-like bonded to three neighbors, giving the molecule exceptional electron-accepting and antioxidant properties. It appears as a black or dark brown powder, soluble in aromatic solvents (toluene, benzene) but insoluble in water.
2. Production Methods
2.1 Arc discharge (the classic method)
C60 is produced by carbon arc evaporation: graphite electrodes are vaporized in an inert helium atmosphere at low pressure. The carbon vapor condenses into a soot containing C60, C70 and higher fullerenes (typically 5-15% extractable fullerenes in the soot). This was the original Krätschmer-Huffman method and remains a standard production route.
2.2 Combustion (flame) method
Benzene or other hydrocarbons are burned under controlled low-oxygen conditions; the flame soot contains fullerenes, which are extracted. This route is scalable for larger production.
2.3 Other methods
- Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for specific applications
- Laser ablation (laboratory scale)
2.4 Purification
The crude soot is extracted with an aromatic solvent (e.g. toluene), and C60 is separated from C70 and higher fullerenes by chromatography, fractional crystallization or sublimation. Final purity (95%, 99%, 99.5%+) is set by the application requirement.
3. Specifications
| Parameter | Typical value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 95%, 99%, 99.5%+ (grade-dependent) | Drives price and application suitability |
| C70 content | Low (main impurity in C60) | Purity indicator |
| Appearance | Black to dark brown powder | Visual QC |
| Solubility | Soluble in toluene/benzene, insoluble in water | Handling and formulation |
| Heavy metals / ash | Low | For cosmetic/medical research use |
4. Applications
4.1 Research and advanced materials
C60 is a cornerstone of nanoscience research — in organic photovoltaics (electron acceptor), photodetectors, superconductivity research, hydrogen storage and nanomedicine.
4.2 Cosmetics and personal care
Purified C60 is used in premium cosmetics as an antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient, exploiting its radical-scavenging properties.
4.3 Lubricants and composites
C60 (and fullerene derivatives) are used as friction-reducing additives and in advanced polymer composites.
4.4 Electronics
In organic electronic devices and as a precursor for functionalized fullerene derivatives.
5. Safety and Handling
- C60 powder is fine and easily dispersed as dust — use a dust mask and gloves; avoid inhalation.
- Toxicological status for consumer products is still under study in some regions; verify regulatory status for your application (especially cosmetics).
- Store sealed, away from strong oxidizers; keep dry.
6. FAQ
Is C60 the same as graphene or carbon nanotubes?
No — they are all carbon allotropes but structurally different: C60 is a 0-D cage molecule, nanotubes are 1-D cylinders, graphene is a 2-D sheet.
What purity of C60 should I buy?
95% is economical for many studies; 99%+ for electronics and precise research; 99.5%+ for demanding applications. Higher purity costs significantly more.
Is fullerene C60 safe for cosmetics?
Purified C60 is used in some premium cosmetics, but regulatory status varies by region — verify compliance for your market before formulating.
Is C60 soluble in water?
No, C60 is insoluble in water but soluble in aromatic solvents; water-dispersible derivatives (e.g. hydroxylated fullerenol) are used for aqueous formulations.
7. References and Further Reading
- Peer-reviewed literature on fullerene production, properties and applications
- Nanomaterials safety and regulatory references
This article is published for industrial and technical reference by PolyblueChem. Specifications are typical; verify against the supplier’s COA.
PolyblueChem supplies fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8) in 95%, 99% and 99.5% grades with COA. Contact us for specifications and quotations.