Expedited Award for Novel Research: New Processes for Producing Cluster Based Materials

提出了一项为期一年的可行性研究，以探索：(1)使用Langmuir-Blodgett技术生产金属团簇的单层和片层薄膜；(2)基于团簇的工艺生产高质量的金刚石薄膜。研究计划1：研究的最初目标是测量与各种表面活性剂分子结合的金团簇的表面与表面积关系。一系列由直链烷烃和不同官能团（乙烯、羟基、胺和羧基）在两端连接的有机分子作为表面活性剂进行测试。一旦建立了在空气/水界面组装簇单层的能力，这些膜转移到固体基底和所得膜的结构将被研究。用TEM和STEM研究了团簇膜的均匀性。最后，将对薄膜进行光学和电学测量。研究计划2：第二个项目具有与第一个项目相同的重大技术和经济影响的潜力，但其结果更不确定。多重扩展簇源（MECS）概念在纳米尺寸金属原子簇的组装中被证明是非常成功的，它被用于控制聚合。要研究的反应是聚乙炔分子在惰性气体载体中悬浮成气溶胶颗粒的形成。如果这项研究成功，将为生产分子量可控、分子量分布窄的聚乙炔提供一种方法。然而，该项目的最终目标是证明生产具有理想sp3键合或类金刚石键合的碳团簇的可行性，以及沉积这些团簇以形成高质量薄膜的可行性。

A one year feasibility study is proposed to explore: (1) the use of Langmuir-Blodgett technology for production of monolayer and lamellar films of metal clusters and (2) A cluster based process for producing high quality diamond films. These are described as follows: Research Plan 1: The initial objective of the study is to measure surface versus surface area relationships for gold clusters bound to a variety of surfactant molecules. A series of organic molecules consisting of straight chain alkanes with various functional groups (ethylene, hydroxyl, amine, and carboxyl) attached at each end are tested as surfactants. Once the ability to assemble cluster monolayers at the air/water interface is established, the transfer of these films to solid substrates and the structure of the resulting films will be studied. Both TEM and STEM are used to explore the uniformity of the cluster films. Finally both optical and electrical measurements will be carried out on the films. Research Plan 2: The second project has the same potential for significant technological and economic impact as the first but is more uncertain as to its outcome. The Multiple Expansion Cluster Source (MECS) concept, which has proven so successful in the assembly of nanometer size clusters of metal atoms, is used for controlled polymerization. The reaction to be studied is the formation of polyacetylene molecules suspended as aerosol particles in an inert gas carrier. If this research is successful, it will provide a method for producing polyacetylene with controlled molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution. The ultimate goal of the project, however, is proof of feasibility of production of carbon clusters having ideal sp3 or diamond-like bonding and the deposition these clusters to form high quality films.