Transformations of adamantyls and other molecular nanodiamonds in the coordination sphere of metals

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Consider a diamond. We want to focus on its atomic structure and want to explore the question of which materials we could obtain if we could synthesize at will selected fragments of its extended 3D structure. We could desire to make, for example, a diamond membrane that is just two carbon atoms thick, an exceptionally strong and clear membrane. Although a name for such a membrane exists (digraphane), nobody knows how to make this membrane, which is related to graphene (Nobel Prize 2010) but vastly different in its properties. Or a three-dimensional nano-structure that is rigid, well-defined, bio-compatible, and made from five or more conjoined adamantane (the smallest diamond) cages. Nobody knows how to make this either. Or a very strong fiber made from diamond, as thin as maintaining the diamond structure allows. We are not able yet to create such a fiber. There is a world of possible materials, many having highly desirable properties, in the incredibly large realm bordered by macroscopic diamond one one side and the smallest possible diamond, adamantane, on the other side. How to synthesize the wealth of materials in this realm is almost completely unknown. The Fekl group is exploring the use of metals as mediators and catalysts, for new synthesis approaches in the difficult and important field of nano-diamond-based chemistry. The research involves connecting metals to a specific position of the smallest nano-diamond (the adamantane mentioned above) and then using reactions that only metals can accomplish to open up vast possibilities for making new compounds and materials. Spin-offs from this research will be new methods for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as antivirals, as well as new catalysts that aid our ability to produce a large variety of useful compounds.