Oxidized Thin Films of C60: A New Humidity-Sensing Material

Abstract

A humidity-sensing material based on C60 is described whose conductivity is mediated by the amount of water vapor to which it is exposed. Its response is quick enough to follow the breathing of a person from a distance of 30 cm. The characterization of the material by DC polarization, AC admittance, and near-IR photoacoustic response measurements as well as UV-vis spectra is reported and the preparation of both bulk and thin-film specimens described. Work to resolve the composition and the sensing mechanism of the material in more detail is in progress.