C₆₀ and Derivatives Boost Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis: Electron Buffers to Heterojunctions

Abstract

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) and derivatives are significant in the synthesis of efficient electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. This is because of electron acceptor properties and distinctive heterostructure(s) and physicochemical characteristics. High‐performance electrocatalysts and photocatalysts are important therefore in conversions for clean energy. Here a critical assessment of advances in use of C60 and derivatives as heterostructures and “electron buffers” in catalysts are reported. Methodologies for preparing C60 composite catalysts are assessed and categorized and microscopic mechanisms for boosting catalytic performance through C60 and derivatives in important catalytic materials including, semiconductors, carbon‐based metal‐free materials, metal nanoclusters, single atoms, and metal–organic skeletons are established. Important characterizations used with C60 and derivative composites are contrasted and assessed and practical challenges to development are determined. A prospective on future directions and likely outcomes in development of high efficiency electrocatalysts and photocatalysts is provided. It is concluded that C60 and derivatives are advantageous for advanced electrocatalysts and photocatalysts with high structural integrity and boosted electron transport. The findings are expected to be of interest and benefit to researchers and manufacturers for formation of heterostructures and electron buffer areas for significantly boosted catalytic performance.

Solvent engineering of self-separating fullerene crystals for photodetectors

“…24,25 Thus, the construction of welldefined 1D fullerene (C 60 ) single crystals is still an interesting approach for optoelectronic devices. 26 Solvent engineering is an efficient and versatile strategy to build fullerene single crystals. [27][28][29] Fundamentally, solvent engineering precisely manipulates the growth dynamics of fullerene crystals in solution-processing fabrication processes.…”

“…24,25 Thus, the construction of well-defined 1D fullerene (C 60 ) single crystals is still an interesting approach for optoelectronic devices. 26…”

Construction of Dual-Active Sites by Interfacing with Polyhydroxy Fullerene on Nickel Hydroxide Surfaces to Promote CO2 Deep Photoreduction to CH4

“…Moreover, the surface of fullerene can be easily modified and functionalized, enabling for the synthesis of various derivatives with different functional groups. 24,25 This characteristic provides excellent prerequisites for utilizing fullerene derivatives as functional molecules to regulate interface properties. Herein, we present a pioneering approach by employing a polyhydroxy fullerene (PHF, C 60 (OH) 12−15 ) to modify the surface of Ni(OH) 2 (PHF-Ni(OH) 2 ), leading to the creation of stable and efficient synergistic sites.…”

“…Recently, fullerene, as a unique electron-deficient zero-dimensional carbon material, can be easily attached to material surfaces, allowing for effective modulation of local electronic structures at interfaces. − Therefore, they have attracted considerable attention in the field of catalysis. Moreover, the surface of fullerene can be easily modified and functionalized, enabling for the synthesis of various derivatives with different functional groups. , This characteristic provides excellent prerequisites for utilizing fullerene derivatives as functional molecules to regulate interface properties. Herein, we present a pioneering approach by employing a polyhydroxy fullerene (PHF, C 60 (OH) 12–15 ) to modify the surface of Ni­(OH) 2 (PHF-Ni­(OH) 2 ), leading to the creation of stable and efficient synergistic sites.…”

Fluorinated Fullerenes as Electrolyte Additives for High Ionic Conductivity Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…The fullerene family and its derivatives exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties and three-dimensional topologies, rendering them highly effective in a diverse array of applications [22][23][24]. Due to its significant polarizability and very high electronegativity, the introduction of a F atom into organic molecules can lead to a significant electron distribution shift, which in turn affects the neighboring groups as well [25,26].…”