Unusual bonding mechanisms in Beryllium clusters

该奖项由化学部门化学结构、动力学和机制项目资助，埃默里大学的Michael C. Heaven教授和他的研究小组将研究(1)含有3 - 30个Be原子的铍簇中的不寻常键合机制，以及(2)氧化铍（BeO）与稀有气体原子（氦、氖和氩）之间的相互作用。这些研究的最终目的是更好地理解传统模型不能很好地表征的不寻常的键合模式，并推进我们对簇从几个原子大小到接近大块金属行为的大系统的键合的理解。BeO稀有气体研究将解决有趣的理论结果，预测通常惰性稀有气体元素的异常强键。各种实验工具将被采用，包括光剥离光谱，激光诱导荧光，共振增强多光子电离，和腔衰荡光谱。这些研究的结果将有助于化学家们对化学键有更深的理解，包括传统的化学键模型，以及作为本研究主题之一的不寻常的相互作用。本研究将为研究生、本科生和博士后提供丰富的先进实验和理论方法经验。将与斯佩尔曼学院（Spelman College）建立合作，将研究经验扩展到一所历史悠久的黑人女子学院的学生。

In this award, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Michael C. Heaven of Emory University and his research group will investigate unusual bonding mechanisms in (1) beryllium clusters containing 3 - 30 Be atoms, and (2) the interactions between beryllium oxide (BeO) and rare gas atoms (helium, neon and argon). The ultimate aim of these studies is to develop a better understanding of the unusual modes of bonding that are not well-characterized in terms of conventional models, and to advance our understanding of bonding when clusters grow from a few atoms in size to large systems that approach bulk metal behavior. The BeO rare gas studies will address intriguing theoretical results that predict unusually strong bonds involving normally inert rare gas elements. A variety of experimental tools will be employed, including photodetachment spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy.The results from these studies will help chemists to develop a deeper understanding of bonding that encompasses the traditional models of bonding as well as the unusual interactions that are one of the themes of the present study. The research will provide the graduate and undergraduate students, and post-doctoral associates involved with a rich experience in advanced experimental and theoretical methods. A collaboration will be established with Spelman College, to expand the research experience to students from a historically Black women's college.