Optimized solvent-exchange synthesis method for C60 colloidal dispersions.

An existing solvent exchange method used to produce aqueous suspensions of fullerene C(60) aggregates (nC(60)) using the solvents toluene, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and water, has been optimized for producing 75 nm diameter particles. Numerous synthesis parameters were evaluated for their effects on colloid yield and particle size distribution. Varying the relative volumes used of the intermediate solvents relative to the initial toluene volume allowed the controlled tuning of the resulting particle size up to a diameter of 210 nm. The resulting suspensions produced 10-20 ppm concentrations and reduced the residual organic solvents to less than the detection limit of 1 ppm.