Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 146041

146041 - Transformation and Polymerization of 0d “Buckyballs” Buckminsterfullerenes Into 2d Polyfullerenes and Graphullerenes 

Fullerenes are carbon allotropes of hollow spheres, tubes, and ellipsoids, each with their unique physical, chemical, optical, and electrical properties, suitable for a wide range of applications in energy storage, sensors, catalysis, superconductivity, magnetism, nonlinear optics, and others. Here, we demonstrate the transformation of monomer 0D carbon 60 (C60) fullerene assemblies into two-dimensional (2D) "graphullerenes” through increasing intramolecular interaction and polymerization, induced by a novel solid-state uniaxial thermocompression process. Taking advantage of the high compressibility of the C60 buckminsterfullerene molecular assemblies, the mechanical deformation induces the formation of ultrathin polyfullerenes and monolayer 2D graphullerenes. This 2D transformation of the C60 molecules assemblies on the substrates entails the use of a custom-made solid-state, uniaxial thermocompression setup, with the applied compressive deformation reorganizing and reducing the intermolecular distance between neighboring as-assembled C60s within the assembly. Morphological and spectroscopic characterizations confirm the formation of sub-10 nm polyfullerenes and graphullerenes, providing fundamental insights into the intra-molecular bonding interactions and process-structure relation between the precursor and yielded polyfullerenes. Overall, this novel top-down scalable nanomanufacturing of large-area 2D polyfullerenes and graphullerenes facilitates further investigation of this new class of 2D carbon materials towards unleashing their vast potential applications.

Presenting Author: Keegan Suero University of South Florida

Presenting Author Biography: After completing my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, I am determined to pursue a PhD. Throughout this advanced academic journey, I plan to delve deeper into nanomaterials research and continue expanding my understanding. My immense ambition is to unearth groundbreaking discoveries and publish my findings. Once I have earned my PhD, I aspire to begin a successful career within the government sector at a national lab.

For the past four years, I have actively engaged in various research endeavors, immersing myself in various projects where I applied and tested my undergraduate knowledge. My experiences as a research assistant have expanded my knowledge and ignited my passion, shaping my career aspirations. Among the diverse areas of study, nanomaterials have captured my keen interest the most due to their profound impact on revolutionizing industries like electronics and medicine. These materials exhibit remarkable properties distinct from their bulk counterparts, adding an intriguing dimension to nanomaterials research. What truly excites me about nanomaterials research is the boundless potential for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, making it an exciting and fulfilling field to engage in.

Authors:

Keegan Suero University of South Florida
Md Rubayat-E Tanjil University of South Florida
Daiyue Wei University of South Florida
Zhewen Yin University of South Florida
Ossie Douglas University of South Florida
Peter Snapp NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Huijuan Zhao Clemson University
Michael Cai Wang University of South Florida