Electrochemical formation and investigation of a self-assembled [60]fullerene monolayer

The formation and characterisation of a C(60) monolayer at the electrode|electrolyte interface has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, potential step chronoamperometry and ac voltammetry. The presence of the monolayer is evidenced by the presence of a very sharp peak P in the voltammogram, attributed to the faradaic phase formation of an ordered monolayer, and of a reduction post peak Q associated with the reduction of adsorbed species. The chronoamperograms exhibit a well-defined maximum, characteristic of a nucleation and growth mechanism. By comparison with existing models of phase transitions, a progressive polynucleation and growth mechanism is demonstrated. The monolayer is proposed to consist of a 2D fulleride salt. It is suggested that the formation of the monolayer can take place for a broad range of solution compositions, but requires an atomically smooth substrate such as mercury.