Synthesis, Isolation and Characterization of Two Isomers of Dy2O@C₈₂

Recent theoretical studies predicted that the magnetic properties of Dy2O@C82 may be superior than any other clusterfullerenes decovered so far, but the synthesis and characterization have never been reported. Here, we report that the clusterfullerenes Dy2O@C82 have been synthesized by arc-discharging method with graphite rods packed with graphite powder and metal oxide(Dy2O3) under a He/CO2(8:1) atmosphere. Two isomers of Dy2O@C82 endohedral fullerene have been isolated and purified by high performance liquid chromatography by multistage separation on different columns. The purified Dy2O@C82 were characterized by mass spectrometry, UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. One isomer shows large resemblance to those of previously reported metallic fullerenes, such as Er2@C s-C82, Sc2O@C s-C82, and another one is similar to Y2C2@C 3v-C82. This work will lead to the detailed study of the unique molecule magnetic properties of dysprosium-based oxide cluster fullerenes and their potential of application in high density information storage, quantum calculation and spintronics.