Stability studies of an electrochemically formed [C60]fullerene-palladium two-component film

The stability of C₆₀ and palladium two-component films, C₆₀/Pd, has been investigated. The effect of different polymerization conditions on the electrochemical stability of the film upon prolonged potential cycling has been studied. Stable voltammetric behavior was observed for polymers formed at potentials less negative than the potential of third C₆₀ reduction step. The incorporation of palladium particles into the structure of C₆₀/Pd polymers increases the polymer stability. The C₆₀/Pd films are doped with supporting electrolyte cations during reduction. The size of these cations is a crucial factor in determining the stability of the film. A strong solvent effect on the potential stability of the film was also observed. The wildest range of stable voltammetric properties was found for acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide. No effect of the temperature on the film stability was observed. The results reported in this work allow for the determination of the optimal conditions for the formation of stable C₆₀/Pd films.