Recent Progress on Fullerene-Based Materials: Synthesis, Properties, Modifications, and Photocatalytic Applications

Abstract

<jats:p>Solar light is an inexpensive energy source making up for energy shortage and solving serious environmental problems. For efficient utilization of solar energy, photocatalytic materials have attracted extensive attention over the last decades. As zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, fullerenes (C60, C70, etc.) have been extensively investigated for photocatalytic applications. Due to their unique properties, fullerenes can be used with other semiconductors as photocatalyst enhancers, and also as novel photocatalysts after being dispersed on non-semiconductors. This review summarizes fullerene-based materials (including fullerene/semiconductors and fullerene/non-semiconductors) for photocatalytic applications, such as water splitting, Cr (VI) reduction, pollutant degradation and bacterial disinfection. Firstly, the optical and electronic properties of fullerene are presented. Then, recent advances in the synthesis and photocatalytic mechanisms of fullerene-based photocatalysts are summarized. Furthermore, the effective performances of fullerene-based photocatalysts are discussed, mainly concerning photocatalytic H2 generation and pollutant removal. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of fullerene-based photocatalysts are proposed. It is expected that this review could bring a better understanding of fullerene-based photocatalysts for water treatment and environmental protection.</jats:p>

Monolayer Fullerene Networks as Photocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

“…As a result, an optimal band gap around 2 eV is required, and the band edges must span the redox potential. − For ( ii ), a type-II band alignment can spontaneously separate the electrons and holes. Based on these requirements, a variety of candidate materials have been proposed for efficient water splitting. − Among all the candidates, carbon nanomaterials exhibit high physical stability and rich redox chemistry. , In particular, fullerene, the cage structure of C 60 , displays high quantum efficiency in photocatalytic reactions because of their large surface area, abundant micropores, increased surface active sites, and efficient electron transport properties. − In photocatalysis, C 60 can enhance the photocatalytic activity via different mechanisms: it can work as an electron acceptor owing to rapid carrier separation, ,− or as an energy transfer mediator, or as an electron donor due to high photosensitivity . In addition, for composite materials, the introduction of fullerene results in better crystallization by reducing the defects and can also improve the stability of the composites, , which further enhance the photocatalytic efficiency.…”

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration: A Review

“…While in other cases, fullerenes can downregulate ROS, making them suitable candidates for neuroprotective agents . Apart from this, fullerenes are proven to have low cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antitumor properties and has been applied in drug delivery systems. − In addition, fullerenes have undergone clinical trials and is marketed as a skin care product, whose functions include the prevention of wrinkles and the improvement of acne vulgaris. , …”

Self-Assembling Peptides and Carbon Nanomaterials Join Forces for Innovative Biomedical Applications

“…Fullerenes are hollow, spherically shaped structures with a very interesting affinity for electrons and their transport that renders them attractive for applications in energy and photocatalysis [ 142 ], as well as photodynamic therapy [ 143 ]. In medicine, fullerenes have been widely studied as antioxidants [ 144 , 145 ], antimicrobials [ 146 ], and vehicles for drug delivery [ 147 , 148 ].…”