Raman spectra of C60 fullerene photopolymers prepared in solution

C60 photopolymer can be easily prepared in bulk quantity by C60 photopolymerization in solutions like CH2Cl2, CCl4 and decalin. Working under N2 atmosphere or HCl atmosphere leads to the same photoproduct as testified by the Raman spectra. In particular, it is confirmed that C60 does not react with HCl even under UV radiation in agreement with previous observations. Raman spectroscopy study reveals that: (a) C60 photopolymer prepared in solution has the same structure of that prepared by solid-state photopolymerization; (b) Raman spectrum of C60 photopolymer prepared in solution suggests that it has the same structure of the orthorhombic phase obtained by C60 piezopolymerization at 4.8 GPa; (c) upon prolonged laser irradiation, the structure of C60 photopolymer changes to other phase resembling C60 piezopolymer prepared at 9.5–13 GPa. Based on the results obtained, it is reasonable to think that C60 photopolymerization could be an alternative way to prepare superhard or ultrahard fullerite materials which should be as hard as diamond or even harder.