We present a theoretical description of resonant charge transfer in collisions of nanoparticles, specifically for ${\text{C}}_{60}+{\text{C}}_{60}^{+}$ collisions. We predict that transient bonds between colliding fullerenes can significantly extend the interaction time, allowing for a greater probability of charge transfer. In our model, the dumbbell-shaped ${({\text{C}}_{60}-{\text{C}}_{60})}^{+}$ quasimolecule, that is temporarily formed during the collision, is described as a dynamic system of 120 zero-range potentials. Using this model, we calculate the exchange interaction between colliding fullerenes and subsequently determine the corresponding charge-transfer cross sections at different collision velocities. Our results have been verified with data obtained from quantum molecular dynamics simulations of the fullerene collisions. The presented theoretical model provides a description of the experimental data on the ${\text{C}}_{60}+{\text{C}}_{60}^{+}$ resonant charge-transfer collision through the inclusion of the temporary formation of dumbbell-shaped fullerene molecules at low collision velocities.

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• Atomic & molecular clusters
• Atomic & molecular structure
• Chemical reactions
• Density functional theory
• Scattering of atoms, molecules, clusters & ions
• Scattering theory