REACTION OF MOLECULAR-OXYGEN WITH C-60 - SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES

Using both freshly sublimed powders and evaporated thin films, the rea ctivity of C-60 towards molecular oxygen has been demonstrated using t he techniques of X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption, photoemission an d infrared spectroscopy. At ambient temperature a molecular intercalat ion compound is formed, characterised by oxygen-rich surface and sub-s urface regions. At higher temperatures oxidation to CO2 is preceded by the formation of various carbon suboxide intermediates, as reported i n the literature.