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

技术解释 本研究的目的是探索一种新的合成方法，即碱金属还原法，合成二元、三元和更高级的无机纳米材料。碱金属化物是由冠醚或穴醚与碱金属阳离子形成的结晶离子盐，其电荷与化学计量数的碱金属阴离子平衡。在室温或低于室温下用碱金属溶液均匀还原金属盐，得到具有窄尺寸分布的单一和二元金属纳米颗粒，而不存在有机表面活性剂或不需要尺寸选择。该方法适用于整个周期表;它是唯一显示能够生产纳米颗粒镧系金属和合金的化学方法。二元和三元相可通过与碱性溶液共还原来获得。除了球状纳米颗粒之外，纳米棒、纺锤体和立方体可以通过这种方法制备。碱金属还原法合成三元及更高级相纳米材料，以及利用该方法进行形貌和尺寸控制的研究也在探索之中。目前正在研究这些材料的磁性、光学、电学和催化特性，以适用于合成的每一类纳米材料。该补助金的教育影响是多方面的。研究生和本科生正在多学科环境中接受培训。PI正在继续发展和参与华盛顿地区青年的科学推广活动，包括动手科学演示。PI还继续他的指导活动，为化学本科生作为化学兄弟会，阿尔法智西格玛阿尔法PI章的导师。最后，PI正在将材料化学融入他所教授的课程中。非技术性解释纳米技术无疑将成为未来技术背后最重要的驱动力之一。然而，在实现纳米技术的前景之前，必须克服一些障碍。基本挑战之一是开发合成（制造）未来应用所需的各种纳米材料的方法。该项目探索了制造纳米材料的最有前途的方法之一，一种称为“碱还原”的化学技术。这些纳米材料正在测试其在各种应用中的潜力，包括纳米电子学，磁学和先进的平面屏幕显示技术。这项研究的开展为这一技术重要领域的研究生和本科生提供了培训。此外，正在开展各种推广活动，为华盛顿地区的小学生提供“动手”科学知识，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.