Preparation of Fullerene/Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Emulsion Polymerizations

Fullerene/polystyrene nanoparticles having the average size of 300 nm ~ 1 ${\mu}m$ were prepared by emulsion polymerization in aqueous medium. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and potassium persulfate were used as a dispersant and an initiator, respectively. The contents of fullerene in the nanoparticle were controlled to be from 10 to 57 wt% by varying the feed ratio, which was confirmed by IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and elemental analyses. Dynamic light scattering experiments revealed the particles have a broad size distribution. Further characterizations of the nanoparticles were performed by using SEM and TEM observation. The high content of fullerene in the particles will find applications in photovoltaic and organic semiconducting area.