Electrochemical Formation of Two-component Films from 2'-Ferrocenylpyrrolidino[3',4' ; 1,2][C60]fullerene and Transition Metal Complexes

Redox active films have been generated electrochemically by reduction of the chemically modified fullerene, 2_-ferrocenyl-pyrrolidino[3_,4_;1,2][C60]fullerene - FcC60, and [Pt(_-Cl)Cl(C2H4)]2 or Ir(CO)2Cl(p-toluidine). The film is believed to consist of polymeric network formedvia covalent bonds between the metal atoms and the fullerene moieties. Ferrocene is covalently linked to the polymeric chains through the pyrrolidine rings. The FcC60/Pt film is electrochemically active in both positive and negative potential ranges. At positive potentials, oxidation of the appended ferrocene is observed. In the negative potential range, electron transfer processes involving the fullerene take place. FcC60/Pt films exhibit higher permeability to anions than to cations. Only an outermost layer of this film is reduced. During the oxidation of the film significant structural changes occur. Film formation is also accompanied by platinum deposition. The present of a metallic phase in the film influences its morphology, structure and electrochemical properties. An FcC60/Ir film has been formed during reduction of solutions containing both FcC60 and Ir(CO)2Cl(p-toluidine). The yield of this film is low with only very thin layer deposited on the electrode surface. No electrochemical activity of the electrode modified with FcC60/Ir was detected in acetonitrile containing only supporting electrolyte.