Redox-active films formed by electrochemical reduction of solutions of C60 and platinum complexes

Abstract

Electroredn. of a toluene-acetonitrile (4:1 vol./vol.) soln. of C60 and cis-Pt(py)2Cl2 in the presence of 0.10M tetra(n-butyl)ammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte produces a black, redox active film that coats the electrode surface. This film retains its redox activity when transferred to an acetonitrile soln. that contains only the supporting electrolyte, 0.10M tetra(n-butyl)ammonium perchlorate. The film was characterized by IR spectroscopy, laser desorption mass spectrometry, and XPS spectroscopy. The formation of this film is dependent on the platinum complex used as precursor and on the potential range used during film growth. No film growth is obsd. when Pt(bipy)Cl2, Pt(py)2I2, cis-Pt(PPh3)2Cl2 or trans-Pt(py)2Cl2 were used as precursors, but {Pt(.mu.-Cl)Cl(C2H4)}2 is a useful precursor which allows film growth at less neg. potentials. Chem. prepd. C60Pt1 is also electrochem. active when pptd. on a platinum electrode. The formation of an electroactive film from the electroredn. of C70 and cis-Pt(py)2Cl2 is also reported.