Synthesis of Metal Oxides with Open Framework Structures

该项目旨在利用水热合成技术来扩展金属氧化物的无机材料化学，特别是发现具有用作吸附剂或多相催化剂潜力的新的开放式框架结构。一个重要的方向是强调具有稳定性和晶内反应性的微孔固体。已经针对两大类无机材料，VB族过渡金属磷酸盐和VB族过渡金属硅酸盐和锗酸盐。初步研究表明，许多新的微孔框架硅酸盐可以构建，这是一个主要的研究重点。将开发的新合成技术包括修改标准水热反应条件和在必要时使用更高的压力。本科生和研究生的培训都将得到重视。将特别强调妇女和其他代表性不足的群体参与研究。具有改进性能的新型纳米多孔无机固体将在分子分离和化学反应中作为催化剂应用，这对包括炼油和化学品生产在内的石化工业的需求至关重要。化学加工的改进对于更有效地利用美国碳氢化合物资源和提高能源效率非常重要。

This project aims to use hydrothermal synthesis techniques to expand the inorganic materials chemistry of metal oxides and specifically to discover new open framework structures with potential for use as sorbents or heterogeneous catalysts. An important direction is an emphasis on microporous solids with stability and intracrystalline reactivity. Two major classes of inorganic materials have been targeted, the group VB transition metal phosphates, and the group VB transition metal silicates and germanates. Initial studies indicate that many new microporous framework silicates can be constructed and this a major focus of the research. New synthesis techniques that will be developed include the modification of standard hydrothermal reaction conditions and the use of higher pressures where necessary. Training of both undergraduate and graduate students will be emphasized. In particular the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the research will be emphasized. New nanoporous inorganic solids with improved properties that will have applications in molecule separations and as catalysts in chemical reactions are vital to the needs of the petrochemical industry in areas that include oil refining and chemicals production. Improvements in chemical processing are important for more effective use of U.S. hydrocarbon resources and to increase energy efficiency.