Scientists use ultrasound waves to produce fullerene

Iranian researchers from Kashan University used a simple, fast and effective method to produce fullerene nanostructures by applying ultrasound waves.

This method reduces energy loss but increases the efficiency of the product without producing any bi-products.

Ultrasound waves have been used in this research as a novel method to produce fullerene nanostructures. This method is in agreement with green chemistry basics and it is biocompatible.

Energy loss and time of reaction reduce during the production process by using ultrasound waves while the safety increases. In addition, the efficiency of the products increases up to two times and no bi-product is produced.

These nanomaterials can be used in special electron and optical applications, photoelectronic industries or devices such as solar cells due to their good performance in the absorption of light and the conversion of light energy into electrical one. These materials have wide applications in photovoltaic devices.

Based on the results of the research, ultrasound waves can be used as good replacements as a mild, effective and biocompatible method in comparison with usual thermal methods. High temperature and pressure are created inside the bubbles existing in the reaction mixture due to the presence of ultrasound waves, and the reaction mixture becomes more active. The reaction rate increases when the surface of the bubbles explodes. The reaction rate even speeds up when cycling reaction takes place under the influence of ultrasound waves through the effective impact among the raw materials.

Results of the research have been published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, vol. 23, issue 1, 2015, pp. 212-218.