Characterization of Interaction Between Humic Acids and Buckminsterfullerene Using Flourescene Spectroscopy

Abstract

The interaction between buckminsterfullerene C₆₀ and humic acids (HA) of different origins was compared using fluorescence spectroscopy as a function of pH, humic acid concentration, ionic strength. Binding constants between fullerene and humic acids were calculated. It can be suggested that the complexation was driven by hydrophobic interactions depending on the properties of the interacting compounds. Hydrophobic interaction model as indicated by linear Stern-Volmer plots and high K_d values is characterizing the interaction between buckminsterfullerene C₆₀ and humic acids The results of this study support the development of an understanding of the fate of nanomaterials in the environment as well as the development of analytical methods for nanomaterials in waters and wastewater treatment approaches.