Synthesis and development of novel fullerene-based structures for photovoltaics, electronic applications and MRI contrast agents.

摘要

Metallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) are one of the most interesting types of metallofullerenes due to their high yields and interesting electronic properties. The synthesis of these compounds allows the encapsulation of different metals inside fullerenes making it possible to combine the properties of the metal with those of the fullerene. Their interesting electrochemical and optical features make them potential candidates for several applications such as molecular electronics, biomedical imaging, non-linear optical devices, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents. This thesis reports the synthesis of novel metallic nitride EMFs based on Gd, Nd, Pr, Ce and La. These families of metallofullerenes were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, HPLC, electrochemistry and UV/Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The reactivity study of the Gd nitride EMF family and the synthesis of a third generation dendrimer that is attached to EMFs in order to obtain water soluble structures that can be used in MRI applications is also covered. Finally, a comprehensive electrochemical study of carbon rich macrocycles is reported.