Generation of singlet oxygen with the use of optically excited fullerenes and fullerene-like nanoparticles

Abstract

Experimental results and a kinetic model of generation of singlet oxygen during the interaction of oxygen molecules with optically pumped (lamp or laser radiation) fullerenes or fullerene-like nanoclusters in solutions, suspensions, and the form of various solid-phase membranes (surfaces) are presented. The experimental data on the photoluminescence of singlet oxygen in solutions of fullerenes are compared with the results of numerical simulation on the basis of the kinetic model with specified constants of photochemical processes. On the basis of the experimental results, it is shown that evaporation of a solution caused by pumping radiation yields long-lived gas-phase singlet oxygen. Release of gas-phase singlet oxygen from solid-phase fullerene-containing membranes (surfaces) is also demonstrated; however, this process is hindered by adsorption of singlet oxygen on the membrane surface. The prospects for creation of a singlet-oxygen generator on the basis of photoexcited fullerene molecules and fullerene-like nanoclusters are discussed.