New hybrid macromolecular structures of C60 fullerene–amphiphilic copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate

Abstract

Amphiphilic copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, synthesized by radical copolymerization at equimolar and unequimolar brancher and chain transfer agent ratios, as well as their precipitated fractions with given chemical composition and physico-chemical characteristics were applied to produce the new stable nanoscaled macromolecular hybrid structures of C60 fullerene through spontaneous aggregation of copolymer particles in isopropyl alcohol and C60 molecules dissolved in toluene. FTIR and electronic absorption spectroscopy data indicate the formation of the macromolecular complex of “guest-host” as a result of the C60 solubilization by the polymer particles. The electron structure of fullerene was changed rapidly or slowly in this complex due to donor–acceptor interaction depending on copolymer kind in the solution. According to WAXS, the encapsulated fullerene molecularly dispersed in solid copolymer matrix. The dynamic characteristics (diffusion coefficients Dt and hydrodynamic radii Rh) of hybrid macromolecular structures in polar media (isopropyl alcohol, water) were determined. Cryo-TEM image shows the core–shell particles of hybrid macromolecular structure; the fullerene particles of about 3nm size were visible in the core of micellar particles.