Irreversible hydrogenation of solid C₆₀ with and without catalytic metals

The dehydrogenation of C-60. H-18.7 was studied using thermogravimetric and powder x-ray diffraction analysis. C-60. H-18.7 was found to be stable up to 430 degrees C in Ar at which point the release of hydrogen initiated the collapse of a fraction of fullerene molecules. X-ray diffraction analysis performed on C-60. H-18.7 samples dehydrogenated at 454, 475, and 600 degrees C displayed an increasing volume fraction of amorphous material. The decomposition product comprises randomly oriented, single-layer graphite sheets. Evolved gas analysis using gas chromatograph (GC) mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both H-2 and methane upon dehydrogenation. Attempts to improve reversibility or reduce hydrogenation/dehydrogenation temperatures by addition of Ru and Pt catalysts were unsuccessful.