In this study, the structural variations, surface states and mass transformation of fullerene [C60] derivatives are investigated through the preparation of an oxidized fullerene [C60O] and a Zn-containing fullerene compared to pristine fullerene [C60]. These were synthesized by an improved oxidation method using 3-chloroperbenzoic acid. From the XRD data, weak peaks of metallic zinc with pristine fullerene [C60] peaks were observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns for the Zn-containing fullerene. SEM micrographs for the metallic Zn-containing fullerene indicated that practically all the zinc introduced was located onto the carbon cages and consequently, it was dispersed into very small crystallites with growth of zinc metals. From the MALDITOF mass spectra, the differences in the spectra recorded on two types of fullerenes are due to the oxidation including chemical bonding and interposing of metallic zinc in the fullerene [C60] molecules. The FT-IR spectra gave additional information on the functional components on the surfaces of the Zn-containing fullerene. The EDX spectrum of Zn-containing fullerene showed the presence of C and O with strong Zn peaks. From the H2 gas generation result, it is considered that a KOH concentration in the Zn-containing fullerene is a helpful factor in the hydrogen generation performance. A satisfactory hydrogen generation performance was achieved on a Zn-containing fullerene treated with an increase of KOH the concentration.

Keywords: Fullerene [C60], XRD, SEM, EDX, MALDI-TOF mass spectra, Hydrogen generation.