C60 aggregates as a novel catalyst: Application and mechanism for dyes degradation

Molecular C₆₀ has been reported to enhance the photoactivity of semiconductor-based photocatalysts, leading to the production of improved reactive oxygen species (ROS), but little is known about the catalytic activity of fullerene aggregates (nC60) in water. In this study, we investigated the effect of nC₆₀ on the degradation of organic dyes (orange II, orange G, indigo carmine, acid yellow 36) in H₂O₂ oxidation processes. The nC60 was found to drastically increase dye degradation under low pH condition and shift ROS balance, favoring the formation of superoxide radical (O^-₂) compared with hydroxyl radicals (OH). Results suggested that nC₆₀ can act as a catalyst even in the dark by promoting the consumption of H₂O₂ and enhancing the production of O₂ and subsequently accelerating the degradation of organic dyes. This work presented herein provides a strong indication that nC₆₀ possesses some catalytic capabilities, even under the dark condition.