We present a series of experiments for the undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory centered around the synthesis, characterization, analysis, and computational modeling of fullerenes. Synthesis of C<sub>60</sub> and other fullerenes is achieved by utilizing a student constructed apparatus that is fabricated inexpensively from repurposed, outdated equipment. Students also attempt fullerene synthesis through a variety of nontraditional wet chemistry methods. Verification of fullerene formation is investigated through spectroscopic analysis methods including UV-Vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Computational work done by students includes modeling of geometry, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics using Density Functional Theory. From these studies, students gain additional understanding of both structure and thermodynamic stability of C<sub>60</sub> and the other fullerenes.

Synthesis and analysis of fullerenes in the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.