This research targets the synthesis of low-valent metal clusters by solution methods. Of particular interest are molecular clusters containing multiple core metal atoms, sometimes referred to as metalloid clusters or monolayer-protected clusters. The target clusters may represent stabilized reactive metal nanoparticles, or species bridging metal complexes and bulk metals, that may have unusual electronic, optical, and magnetic properties. Emphasis will be on the synthesis of clusters containing aluminum and/or non-noble transition metals. The metalloid clusters are rare for aluminum, and appear to be unknown for non-noble transition metals. The aluminum metalloid clusters (e.g., Al50Cp*12, Al77(N(SiMe3)2)20 2-) have been prepared by a complicated process involving the high temperature generation of aluminium monohalide species. Development of practical solution methods to metalloid clusters of aluminum and non-noble transition metals would open a vast frontier for chemistry and materials science.

 

key words

Cluster; Organometallic; Synthesis; Low-valent; Metals; Nanoparticles; Nanocluster; Inorganic;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants