Synthesis of New Metal-Oxo Cluster Molecules for Photocatalysis

在这个项目中，Stephen将开发和研究位于分子无机和材料化学界面的新型光活性簇分子的合成和性质。研究将集中在类似于TiO 2和CeO 2材料的簇，这两种材料都被广泛使用，并且可以吸收光以促进氧化还原反应性。Stephen将开发新的活性前体，并使用这些前体通过合理的合成路线设计簇分子。Stephen将使用NMR光谱学，X射线晶体学和其他光谱技术分析簇的结构。该项目将确定HOMO-LUMO轨道间隙和位置等关键属性，并确定如何通过改变簇的大小和表面化学来微调这些属性。将所有结果与本体金属氧化物材料进行比较。然后，该项目将研究利用这些光还原簇进行有机转化和/或生产“太阳能燃料”的可能性。

In this project Stephen will develop and investigate the synthesis and properties of new photoactive cluster molecules which sit at the interface of molecular inorganic and materials chemistry. Studies will focus on clusters which resemble TiO2 and CeO2 materials, both of which are used widely and can absorb light to promote redox reactivity. Stephen will develop new reactive precursors, and use these to design cluster molecules using rational synthesis routes. Stephen will analyse the structure of the clusters using NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and other spectroscopic techniques. The project will identify key properties such as HOMO-LUMO orbital gap, and positions, and determine how these properties can be fine-tuned by altering the size and surface chemistry of the clusters. All results will be compared to the bulk metal oxide materials. The project will then examine the possibilities of using these photoreducible clusters for photocatalysis in organic transformations and/or to produce 'solar fuels'.