Unusual bonding mechanisms in Beryllium clusters

在这项由化学系化学结构、动力学和机制计划资助的奖项中，埃默里大学的Michael C.Heaven教授和他的研究小组将研究(1)含有3-30Be原子的铍原子团簇中的不寻常的成键机制，以及(2)铍氧化物(BeO)与稀有气体原子(氦、Ne和Ar)之间的相互作用。这些研究的最终目的是为了更好地理解不寻常的成键模式，这些模式在传统模型中没有得到很好的表征，并促进我们对团簇从几个原子尺寸增长到接近大块金属行为的大系统成键的理解。Beo稀有气体研究将解决耐人寻味的理论结果，这些结果预测了涉及通常惰性稀有气体元素的异常强键。将使用各种实验工具，包括光分离光谱、激光诱导荧光、共振增强多光子电离和腔衰荡光谱。这些研究的结果将有助于化学家加深对成键的理解，包括传统的成键模型以及作为本研究主题之一的不寻常的相互作用。这项研究将为研究生和本科生以及博士后助理提供先进的实验和理论方法方面的丰富经验。将与斯佩尔曼学院合作，将研究经验扩展到一所历史悠久的黑人女子学院的学生。

In this award, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Michael C. Heaven of Emory University and his research group will investigate unusual bonding mechanisms in (1) beryllium clusters containing 3 - 30 Be atoms, and (2) the interactions between beryllium oxide (BeO) and rare gas atoms (helium, neon and argon). The ultimate aim of these studies is to develop a better understanding of the unusual modes of bonding that are not well-characterized in terms of conventional models, and to advance our understanding of bonding when clusters grow from a few atoms in size to large systems that approach bulk metal behavior. The BeO rare gas studies will address intriguing theoretical results that predict unusually strong bonds involving normally inert rare gas elements. A variety of experimental tools will be employed, including photodetachment spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy.The results from these studies will help chemists to develop a deeper understanding of bonding that encompasses the traditional models of bonding as well as the unusual interactions that are one of the themes of the present study. The research will provide the graduate and undergraduate students, and post-doctoral associates involved with a rich experience in advanced experimental and theoretical methods. A collaboration will be established with Spelman College, to expand the research experience to students from a historically Black women's college.