C60(OH) Labs

01 / Research Platform

The Science Behind C60(OH).

Exploring fullerene-derived chemistry in a structured, water-rich hydrogel. From molecular building blocks to experimentally observed material behavior.

Research-stage technology. Observed material properties are being independently characterized and validated.

Conceptual illustration of hydroxylated fullerene
Conceptual fullerene illustration; not a confirmed molecular structure of the hydrogel.

02 / Challenges

From interesting molecules to reproducible materials.

Molecular potential alone does not guarantee a practical material. Translating fullerene chemistry into useful aqueous systems requires overcoming several interconnected challenges.

Water compatibility

Pristine fullerenes are hydrophobic; dispersions and functionalization must be controlled.

Aggregation & stability

Particle organization can change with pH, ions, concentration, temperature and processing.

Composition & reproducibility

Degree of functionalization, residual components and batch variation require quantitative analytical methods.

Processing & storage

Drying, rehydration, washing and mixing can change the material's working state.

Safety & efficacy

Biological behavior is dose-, composition- and exposure-dependent and requires application-specific testing.

Mechanism

Identifying the molecular assembly units and the role of calcium remains an open research question for C60(OH).

03 / Applications

Where fullerene-derived materials are explored.

Energy & electronics

Fullerene derivatives serve as electron-transport and electron-accepting materials in photovoltaic and electronic research.

Advanced materials

Research includes functional coatings, composites, interfaces, membranes and molecular assemblies.

Biomedical & cosmetic research

Functionalized fullerenes are investigated for redox activity, skin interactions and carrier concepts. These are formulation-specific research directions, not established safety or efficacy claims for this hydrogel.

04 / Chemistry

Fullerenes, hydrofullerenes and fullerenols.

These names describe related but chemically distinct families. Functionalization changes how a carbon cage behaves and where it can be studied or used.

C₆₀ · C₇₀

Pristine fullerenes

Carbon cages with unusual electron-accepting and optical properties. Investigated in organic electronics, photovoltaics, molecular devices and advanced materials. Pristine C₆₀ is poorly compatible with water and is often processed using organic solvents. In contrast, C60(OH) Labs reports using no benzene, toluene, or other organic solvents in its hydrogel production process, and no added polymeric gelling agents.

C₆₀Hₓ

Hydrofullerenes (fulleranes)

Hydrogenated fullerene cages containing carbon–hydrogen bonds. Studied in hydrogenation chemistry, hydrogen-storage concepts and functionalization research. They should not be confused with hydroxylated fullerenes.

C₆₀(OH)ₙ

Fullerenols

Hydroxylated fullerene derivatives bearing –OH groups. Functionalization can improve aqueous compatibility and motivates research into redox chemistry, functional composites, skin-focused formulations and delivery systems. Exact composition varies with preparation.

05 / Discovery

A new architecture of carbon.

In 1985, Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, Richard Smalley and colleagues identified a remarkably stable cluster of 60 carbon atoms. The molecule, C₆₀, forms a closed cage of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. Its shape inspired the name buckminsterfullerene, after architect Buckminster Fuller. Kroto, Curl and Smalley received the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of fullerenes.

1985

Discovery of C₆₀

A new family of closed-cage carbon molecules joins graphite and diamond in the study of carbon allotropes.

C₆₀ / C₇₀

A molecular family

Different cage sizes and chemical modifications produce different electronic, optical and surface properties.

06 / Our material platform

More than an aqueous fullerene dispersion.

C60(OH) Labs has observed formation of a highly hydrated, structured material with distinctive responses to changes in water content and processing conditions.

Water-rich matrix

Typical experimental formulations contain more than 98% water.

Self-assembly

Structure formation has been observed under selected acidic preparation conditions.

Reversible hydration

Samples exhibit changes between hydrated and dried states, with rehydration behavior under investigation.

Wash persistence

Material structure has been observed following repeated water-washing experiments.

C60(OH) experimental hydrogel in glass jar

These are experimental observations, not independently validated performance specifications. Behavior may vary by batch and test conditions.

07 / Analytical characterization

Characterizing the material from multiple angles.

Our completed analytical work uses complementary methods to investigate chemical environments, spectral signatures, and dried-state morphology.

Raman spectrum
Completed

Raman

Comparative spectra of original and repeatedly washed samples.

FTIR spectrum
Completed

ATR-FTIR

Investigation of infrared features associated with functional groups.

XPS spectrum
Completed

XPS

Surface elemental and chemical-state information, including C, O, and Ca.

SEM micrograph
Completed

SEM

Microscopy of dried specimens revealing microstructural features.

Images represent available experimental characterization. These techniques do not by themselves quantify fullerene concentration or establish toxicity, efficacy, or in-use stability.

04 / LABORATORY EVIDENCE

Experimental characterization.

Our research combines repeated material-processing experiments with spectroscopy and microscopy. Part of the analytical work shown here was conducted at the University of Washington Molecular Analysis Facility (MAF). The interpretations and proposed mechanisms are those of C60(OH) Labs, not a certification or endorsement by UW.

University of Washington · Molecular Analysis Facility

Analytical techniques represented in the research record include Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, XPS, and SEM/EDS. These complementary methods investigate spectral features, surface chemistry, and the morphology of prepared material.

RAMAN · 785 NM

Vibrational fingerprint

Representative Raman spectra were collected from the original matrix using two acquisition settings. The observed spectral features provide a fingerprint for comparative material analysis; they do not, alone, establish an exact fullerene molecular formula.

Figure 6 · Raman spectra of the original matrix at 785 nm, acquired using two instrument settings.
Figure 6 · Raman spectra of the original matrix at 785 nm, acquired using two instrument settings.
ATR-FTIR

Hydration-sensitive chemistry

Hydrated and dried samples show a pronounced OH-associated spectral region and differences in their infrared profiles, consistent with changes in the local environment upon dehydration.

Figure 5 · ATR-FTIR spectra comparing the original hydrated matrix and dried Sample 2.
Figure 5 · ATR-FTIR spectra comparing the original hydrated matrix and dried Sample 2.
XPS · 2 / 5 / 11 WASHES

Carbon, oxygen, calcium

XPS detected carbon, oxygen, and calcium at the surfaces of dehydrated samples. Calcium remained detectable after repeated washing. Surface elemental composition is not the same as bulk composition or a direct measurement of fullerenol concentration.

Figure 1 · XPS surface atomic composition of C, O, and Ca after 2, 5, and 11 washes. Error bars: standard deviation across three analyzed areas per sample.
Figure 1 · XPS surface atomic composition of C, O, and Ca after 2, 5, and 11 washes. Error bars: standard deviation across three analyzed areas per sample.
SEM / EDS · 2 / 5 / 11 WASHES

Plate-like and lamellar morphology

Images of dehydrated material reveal plate-like, ribbon-like, elongated, and lamellar micron-scale features. EDS observations identify predominantly C, O, and Ca in examined regions. Dried morphology should not be assumed to represent the native hydrated structure.

Figure 4 · SEM micrographs of dehydrated matrix material after 2, 5, and 11 washes.
Figure 4 · SEM micrographs of dehydrated matrix material after 2, 5, and 11 washes.

Optical microscopy · hydrated matrix and filtrate

Figure 2 · Optical micrograph of the 11-wash matrix at 1000×, showing plate-like and elongated structures.
Figure 2 · Optical micrograph of the 11-wash matrix at 1000×, showing plate-like and elongated structures.
Figure 3 · Optical micrograph of a filtrate fraction, showing filament-like structures and ribbon-like fragments.
Figure 3 · Optical micrograph of a filtrate fraction, showing filament-like structures and ribbon-like fragments.

A closer look at sequential washing.

In one tracked 11-cycle series, the gel phase re-formed following washing while measured aqueous parameters shifted. These are values from the C60(OH) Labs experimental record.

pH4.08 → 5.3511-cycle series
Electrical conductivity1,860 → 334µS/cm
Total dissolved solids926 → 168ppm

The values shown are representative measurements, not validated product specifications. Figures are reproduced from C60(OH) Labs’ research manuscript. Part of the analytical work was performed at UW MAF; individual figure provenance should be checked against instrument records before public publication.

06 / RESEARCH FRONTIERS

Where fullerene science is heading.

Fullerene chemistry spans far beyond hydrogels. These research directions help explain the interest in functionalized carbon cages, but are not demonstrated applications of the C60(OH) matrix.

Photovoltaics and electronics

C₆₀ and C₇₀ derivatives are studied as electron-transport materials and interfacial layers in next-generation solar cells. Current work emphasizes stability, interface chemistry, and device longevity.

Redox-active biomaterials

Hydroxylated fullerenes are being investigated for interactions with reactive oxygen species in experimental biological models. Activity varies with functionalization, concentration, and conditions.

Delivery and soft materials

Functionalized fullerene systems are explored for molecular loading, release, and assembly in water-rich environments. Safety, transport, and reproducibility remain major research questions.

This section summarizes active research themes, not clinical validation. Specific recent discoveries will be linked to peer-reviewed publications after source verification.

10 / Research roadmap

From initial observation to validated performance.

The next phase focuses on quantitative characterization and application-specific evaluation, with safety and functional testing planned rather than presumed.

Priority 01

Composition & reproducibility

Validated fullerene quantification, calcium analysis, batch variability, and particle-size assessment.

Priority 02

Physical & chemical performance

Rheology, stability, hydration cycling, and material interactions with formulations.

Priority 03

Biological & application testing

Keratinocyte/fibroblast cytotoxicity, redox assays, and relevant application-specific studies.

11 / Research collaboration

Evaluate the material.

We welcome independent research, formulation evaluation, and collaborative materials development with scientific and industrial partners.

Request a Research Sample →

RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT · V4.0

Explore the full experimental research.

Read the detailed account of matrix formation, sequential washing, microscopy, spectroscopy, calcium-associated behavior and open scientific questions. The manuscript includes selected experimental figures and references.

Read the article (PDF) ↗

Research manuscript · C60(OH) Labs · Not a peer-reviewed publication. Analytical work was conducted in part at the University of Washington Molecular Analysis Facility; this does not imply institutional endorsement.