REACTION AND PASSIVATION OF ALUMINUM WITH C-60

The interaction of C60 with aluminum was investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), photoluminescence and soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The interaction of C70 with aluminum was also probed with soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bonding of C60 and C70 to the aluminum surface is strong such that after multilayer desorption at 570 and 620 K, respectively, a monolayer coverage of the fullerene remains intact, as seen in the valence band spectra, on the surface to 700 K. Above surface temperatures of 700 K the continued presence of a C60 photoluminescence signal and the decline in the surface carbon concentration suggests that the C60 dissolves into the aluminum bulk. The chemical shift in the binding energy of the Al 2p electrons also indicates strong interaction between C60 and aluminum. Multilayer and monolayer coverages of C60 on aluminum passivated the surface such that exposures of 340 L of water at room temperature led to no oxidation of the surface. Multilayer coverages of C60 on aluminum were protective against oxidation at ambient conditions.