RUI: Chemical Methods for Isolating Metal Clusters Inside Large Fullerene Cages (C82-C140)

在这个由化学部化学结构、动态和机理B计划资助的项目中，印第安纳大学-普渡大学韦恩堡分校(IPFW)化学系的Steven Stevenson教授将研究捕获在更大、更高富勒烯笼子(HMNF)中的金属氮化物团簇的制备。这些独特的分子在能源(如光伏)、医学(如制药、核磁共振造影剂)和光电子学中具有重要的潜在应用。然而，它们很难大量获得。史蒂文森教授的目标是通过提高反应产率和简化产品分离程序来改进这些分子的制备。他的产品分离程序还将显著减少产生的废溶剂数量。该项目促进将代表性不足的学生群体、高中生和早期本科生(例如，一年级、二年级)纳入研究。还将努力吸引非化学专业的学生，因为他们几乎没有机会从事化学研究。这个项目有三个具体目标。在第一个目标中，新分子将在等离子体反应堆中选择性地产生。通过在等离子体区域加入氧化剂，反应器内部将具有恶劣的化学环境，以抑制污染物的形成。第二个目标是集成SAFA(搅拌和过滤方法)-Lewis酸方法，用于高效的非层析纯化HMNFS。在第三个目标中，将与四个授予博士学位的机构开展合作活动，以评估所编制的HMNF的性质。

In this project funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamic & Mechanism B Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Steven Stevenson of the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) will study the preparation of metallic nitride clusters entrapped within larger, higher fullerene cages (HMNFs). These unique molecules have significant potential applications in energy (e.g., photovoltaics), medicine (e.g., pharmaceuticals, MRI contrast agents), and optoelectronics. However, they are difficult to obtain in large quantity. Professor Stevenson aims to improve the preparation of these molecules by improving the reaction yield and by simplifying the product isolation procedure. His product isolation procedure will also reduce significantly the amount of waste solvents generated. The project promotes the inclusion of underrepresented groups of students, high school students and early undergraduate (e.g., freshman, sophomore) students in research. Efforts will also be made to attract non-chemistry major students, as they have few opportunities for chemical research. This project has three specific objectives. In the 1st objective, new molecules will be selectively created inside a plasma reactor. The interior of the reactor will possess a chemically harsh environment by incorporating oxidizing agents into the plasma zone, in order to suppress the formation of contaminant species. The 2nd objective is the integrated SAFA (the Stir and Filter Approach)-Lewis acid approach for the efficient non-chromatographic purification of HMNFs. In the 3rd objective, collaborative activities with four Ph.D.-granting institutions will serve to evaluate the properties of HMNFs prepared.