Structural and electronic properties of pyrrolidine-functionalized [60] fullerenes

We have investigated energetic, geometric, electronic, and field emission properties of three recently synthesized fulleropyrrolidines based on the density functional theory method B3LYP/6-31G(d). Fulleropyrrolidines show higher conductivity, and solubility in water, and smaller work function in comparison with the pristine C-60 fullerene. The functionalization of C-60 with different pyrrolidines containing -NH2, NO, or NO2 groups transforms it to an n-type semiconductor. The functionalization can also dramatically enhance the electrophilicity of the C-60 about 23-37%. Moreover, it should be mentioned that the work function is mainly influenced by the pyrrolidine containing -NO2 group whereas the conductivity is largely affected by the one containing -NH2 functionality. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.