Synthesis of Ternary and Higher Order Phase Nanoparticulate and Nanorod Materials by Alkalide Reduction

本研究项目的目标是探索一种新的和有前途的合成方法，即碱还原合成二元、三元和高阶相无机纳米材料。碱化物是由冠醚或隐式络合的碱金属阳离子和一定数量的碱金属阴离子组成的结晶离子盐。在室温或低于室温的条件下，用碱化物溶液均匀还原金属盐，可以得到尺寸分布狭窄的单金属和二元金属纳米颗粒，不需要有机表面活性剂的存在，也不需要尺寸选择。该方法适用于整个元素周期表；这是唯一一种能够生产纳米级镧系金属和合金的化学方法。二相和三元相可通过与碱溶液共还原得到。除了球形纳米粒子外，纳米棒、纺锤和立方体也可以用这种方法制成。此外，还对碱化还原法制备三元相和高阶相纳米材料的研究以及该方法对纳米材料形状和尺寸的控制进行了探索。对于每一类合成的纳米材料，正在研究材料的磁性、光学、电学和催化性能。这项奖助金对教育的影响是多方面的。研究生和本科生在多学科环境中接受培训。PI正在继续发展和参与华盛顿特区青年的科学推广活动，包括亲自参与科学示范。PI还作为化学兄弟会Alpha Chi Sigma的Alpha PI分会的指导教师，继续对化学本科生进行指导活动。最后，PI将材料化学整合到他所教授的课程中。非技术解释纳米技术无疑将是未来技术背后最重要的驱动力之一。然而，在纳米技术的前景实现之前，必须克服一些障碍。其中一个基本挑战是开发合成（制造）未来应用所必需的各种纳米材料的方法。这个项目探索了一种最有前途的制造纳米材料的方法，一种被称为“碱化物还原”的化学技术。这些纳米材料正在测试其广泛应用的潜力，包括纳米电子学、磁学和先进的平面屏幕显示技术。这项研究的开展为研究生和本科生在这个技术上至关重要的领域提供了培训。此外，正在实施各种推广活动，将“动手”科学带给华盛顿特区的小学生，以教育和鼓励未来的科学家。

TECHNICAL EXPLANATION The goal of this research project is to explore the synthesis of binary, ternary and higher order phase inorganic nanomaterials by a new and promising synthetic method referred to as alkalide reduction. Alkalides are crystalline ionic salts consisting of crown ether or cryptand complexed alkali metal cations charge balanced by a stoichiometric number of alkali metal anions. Homogeneous reduction of metal salts with alkalide solutions at or below room temperature results in single and binary metal nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution, without the presence of organic surfactants or the need for size selection. The method is applicable across the periodic table; it is the only chemical method shown to be capable of producing nanoparticulate lanthanide metals and alloys. Binary and ternary phases are accessible through co-reduction with alkalide solutions. Nanorods, spindles and cubes can be made by this method, in addition to spheriodal nanoparticles. The synthesis of ternary and higher order phase nanomaterials by alkalide reduction and investigating shape and size control by the method are also being explored. The magnetic, optical, electrical and catalytic properties of the materials are being studied as appropriate for each class of nanomaterial synthesized. The educational impact of this grant is multifold. Graduate and undergraduate students are being trained in a multidisciplinary environment. The PI is continuing his development and participation in scientific outreach to the youth of the Washington DC area, including hands on science demonstrations. The PI is also continuing his mentoring activity for chemistry undergraduates as the faculty advisor of the Alpha Pi chapter of the chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma. Finally, the PI is integrating materials chemistry, into the courses he teaches.NON-TECHNICAL EXPLANATIONNanotechnology will undoubtedly be one of the most important driving forces behind tomorrow's technologies. However, some obstacles must be overcome before the promise of nanotechnology is realized. One of the basic challenges is developing methods to synthesize (make) the wide variety of nanomaterials that will be necessary for future applications. This project explores one of the most promising methods of making nanomaterials, a chemical technique termed "Alkalide Reduction". These nanomaterials are being tested for their potential for use in a wide variety of applications, including nanoelectronics, magnetics and advanced flat screen display technologies. The conduct of this research is providing training for graduate and undergraduate students in this technologically vital field. In addition, a variety of outreach activities are being implemented to bring "hands-on" science to elementary school students in the Washington, DC area, to teach and encourage tomorrow's scientists.