Research

At the FIRST Molecules Research Center, we focus on creating and studying new types of molecules called Fullertubes and Metallofullertubes. We have made significant discoveries, such as finding new Fullertube molecules and showing how adding metals can increase Fullertube production. These findings have generated excitement among scientists, leading to more collaboration and the potential for greatly improved Fullertube yields.

Our research aims to solve the problem of low Fullertube production by comparing different methods, like electric-arc and flame synthesis. One innovative approach involves adding metals to flames to boost Fullertube production, an area that hasn't been explored before. Early results are promising, showing a significant increase in Fullertube content.

Our long-term goals include discovering new molecules, working with other scientists to study them, and creating a network to share these discoveries worldwide. We not only seek to advance Fullertube science but also promote collaboration and inclusivity by involving external partners, post-docs, and graduate students.

Overall, our research on Fullertubes and Metallofullertubes has the potential to greatly impact future scientific research by deepening our understanding of these unique molecules, improving production methods, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive scientific community.

Publications, Presentations, and Funding

The FIRST Molecules Center has published a significant number of research papers during the last 3 years. Our center has published 6 papers in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) and one paper in Angewandte Chemie. Additionally, the our research has been featured on the cover pages of prestigious journals, including JACS, Inorganic Chemistry, and Chemistry - European Journal.

Current Publications (Prior Publications)

• Stevenson, S, and Dorn, H., “Fullertubes: A 30-year Story of Prediction, Experimental Validation, and Applications for a Long-Missing Family of Soluble Carbon Molecules,” Acc. Chem. Res., 57, 15, 2154-2165 (2024)​  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00302​
• Bourret, E.; Stevenson, S, and Côté, M., “Anisotropic Contributions in the Chromatographic Elution Behavior of Fullerenes and Fullertubes,” J. Phys. Chem. C. 128, 31, 13283-13298 (2024)  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c02931​
• Shenoy, F.; Gunda, R.; Noble, C.; Haraguchi A.; Stevenson, S, and Daniel J.,“Fullertubes Inhibit Mycobacterial Viability and Prevent Biofilm Formation by Disrupting the Cell Wall,” Cell Biochem Funct., 42, e3963 (2024)  https://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.3963​
• Jover, A.; Martin-Jiménez, A.; Franklin, H.M.; Koenig, R.M.; Martinez, J.I.; Martín N.; Lauwaet, K.; Miranda, R.; Gallego, J.M.; Stevenson, S.; Otero, R., “Nanotube-Like Electronic States in [5,5]-C90 Fullertube Molecules,” Small, 2307611 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202307611 

Current Presentations (Prior Presentations)

• Invited Speaker (Keynote Speaker), S. Stevenson, “Fullertubes: Current Progress and Latest Isolation of New Molecules” 4th International Conference on Carbon Chemistry and Materials, Barcelona, SPAIN, Nov. 11-13 (2024)​​
• Invited Speaker, S. Stevenson, “Fullertubes: Current Progress and Latest Isolation of New Molecules” Joint PRIME and Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct 6-11 (2024)​​
• Schmitt R. and S. Stevenson, “Separation and Isolation of Rare-Earth Clusters Trapped inside Uncommon Carbon Cages” Joint PRIME and Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct 6-11 (2024)​​
• Davidson, T. and S. Stevenson, “Rare-Earth Families of Metallofullertubes or Metallofullerenes?” Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Spring Conference, Boston, MA, May 28 (2024)​​
• Invited Speaker, Davidson, T, Noble, C.A., Bourret, E., S. Stevenson, “Metallofullertubes or Metallofullerenes: Which Have We Isolated?” Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Spring Conference, Boston, MA, May 26 (2024)​​
• Dorn, H. and S. Stevenson, “Is the [5,5] C120-D5dFullertube a Metal?” Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Spring Conference, Boston, MA, May 26 (2024)​​
• Bourret, E., Côté, M. and S. Stevenson, “Predicting the Optical Spectra of Fullerenes with Vibronic Coupling” Electrochemistry Society (ECS) Spring Conference, Boston, MA, May 26 (2024)

Funding

The FIRST Molecules Center received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) program. The NSF RUI funding supported the our research on Fullertubes and Metallofullertubes, allowing us to conduct groundbreaking studies and engage in collaborative efforts with various institutions and researchers.