Date of Award
1-1-2019
Language
English
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School/Department
Department of Chemistry
Content Description
1 online resource (xi, 141 pages) : illustrations (some color)
Dissertation/Thesis Chair
Dr. Jeremy Feldblyum
Committee Members
Dr. Alan Chen
Keywords
Cadmium Arsenide, Clusters, Coordination Polymers, Semiconductor Nanoparticles, Silver, Synthesis, Semiconductor nanoparticles, Cadmium compounds, Arsenides, Semiconductors, Silver compounds, Thin films, Polymerization
Subject Categories
Chemistry | Materials Science and Engineering | Physical Chemistry
Abstract
Nanomaterials have chemical, electronic, optical, and other properties distinct from their bulk counterparts. However, the atom-precise synthesis of these materials remains a challenge, leaving open many scientific questions regarding the size regime between nanoparticulate (quantum confined) and bulk character. In this work, efforts toward the synthesis of nanoparticulate and atom-precise metal and semimetal materials are described. The synthesis of II-V semiconductor Cd3As2 having a near-zero bandgap is discussed. Analysis by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction indicate the formation of material with unexpected crystallinity and absorption properties The interaction between the molecular source of As and the solvent was explored to understand the effects of different solvents on the products formed. Next, superatomic Ag44 clusters having exceptional stability were targeted for synthesis. Results from UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicated the formation of only transient Ag44, suggesting poor protection of the cluster by solvent and/or surface-bound ligand. Ag coordination polymers were studied to better understand the formation of atom-precise silver clusters. Synthesis was achieved both by bulk solvothermal methods and by a slow diffusion approach. Analysis by optical microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the successful synthesis of a previously unreported 1D, Ag-containing coordination polymer. Future work will focus on the development of synthetic methods for coordination polymers containing larger Ag clusters or clusters incorporating binary compounds such as II-V semiconductors.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Sarthak Jashubhai, "Synthesis of cadmium arsenide semiconductor nanoparticles, superatomic silver clusters, and silver coordination polymers" (2019). Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024). 2356.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/2356