The Effects of Colloidal C60 Particle Size on Zeta Potential

Multiple methods are used to synthesize C60 to what is believed to be its most environmentally and biologically relevant form, an aqueous colloidal suspension (nC60). Stability of the suspension is attributed to a relatively large negative zeta potential that has been shown to develop upon the formation of nC60. Investigations of the spontaneous development of this negative surface charge have provided partial explanations towards the identification of its origin, but a mechanism that completely identifies it has yet to be actualized. A relatively uncontrollable variable in nC60 formation, size, is investigated to help elucidate this mechanism. Four different synthesis methods were evaluated to determine the effects, if any, that particle size has on zeta potential. Aqueous suspensions from each method were subjected to a particle-by-particle zeta potential analysis using NanoSight Model NS500HSB. Zeta potential as it relates to particle size will be discussed