Inert Atmosphere Glovebox for Tailored Routes to Clusters

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The support requested under the Research Tools and Instruments program is for the purchase and installation of an inert atmosphere glovebox.  Such a piece of equipment is central to permit the development of the applicant's research program on metal-based cluster chemistry. The graduate (MSc, PhD) and undergraduate (BSc) students and post doctoral fellows working in this area of inorganic synthesis are trained in the manipulation of air sensitive reagents, characterization methods and nanomaterials design using this equipment. The synthesis of cluster molecules necessitates the use of reagents that are highly sensitive to (even traces of) water and/or oxygen. A modern, inert atmosphere glovebox ensures that such syntheses are carried out safely and in a reproducible manner.  Ultimately, using this type of inert atmosphere equipment allows the trainees to prepare cluster "assemblies" with an ability to control both their size and shape, and thus electronic properties. In addition to its importance for fundamental science, this control of cluster structure and chemical stability are key components for application oriented research targets such as in the areas of display technologies, catalysis and molecular electronics. Access to such state of the art equipment will provide enhanced training for student and post doctoral researchers so as to prepare them for entry into the high tech work force in academia, industry and government laboratories across Canada.