The synthesis and characterization of C60 chemically modified poly(N-vinylcarbazole)

Abstract

Addition of C60 moiety, a powerful electron acceptor to poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) by chemical reaction modifies considerably the physical and chemical properties of PVK. The characterization techniques employed are UV-visible, IR, DSC, TGA, ESR, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry. The fullerenated PVK, which has a visibly earthy yellow cast when compared with the unreacted polymer, has a new structure in the UV-vis absorption spectrum with the active range extending from about 280 to 870 nm, its apparent temperature sensitivity is intriguing, and an unusual temperature dependence for the ESR spectrum is observed. Considerable difference of electronic structure between pure PVK and C60-PVK copolymer is indicated. The thermal stability and oxidation-reduction activation of pure PVK are enhanced by C60-chemical modification. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.