Fullerene decomposition induced by near-infrared laser radiation studied by real-time turbidimetry

C-60 and C-70 fullerenes dissolved in toluene or n-hexane have been found t o be decomposed by near-infrared Nd:YAG laser radiation even at moderate in tensities (lambda = 1064 nm, I = 35-70 MW/cm(2)) quite effectively. Formati on of a fine precipitate, occurring during the photolysis, has been studied turbidimetrically. Cubic intensity dependence of the decomposition efficie ncy was found. The multiphoton dissociation of fullerenes leads to a format ion of the fine black precipitate whose particles, overheated by the pulsed laser radiation, cause further decomposition of fullerene cages. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.