CAREER: Synthesis Of Multifunctional Hybrids Of Reduced Rhenates and Related Systems

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Abstract

Technical Abstract This research project focuses on the syntheses, structural characterization, and physical properties of new reduced rhenium and molybdenum oxide/organic hybrids that possess a range of low dimensional M-O-M' (M = Re or Mo, M' = late transition metal) and M-O-M bonded networks. The synthetic efforts will advance the use of hydrothermal techniques to yield the new reduced hybrids with electronic properties, and/or metal-metal bonding, that can also be dynamically coupled to selective small-molecule intercalation and redox activity. The hybrid solids will represent a new type of multifunctional electronic material, and as well, will help lead to a deeper understanding of the electron-electron interactions that are responsible for magnetoelectric and superconducting properties in reduced rhenates and molybdates. Resultant abilities to control or tune the electron-electron interactions at the molecular/atomic level within a flexible framework hold great potential for directly enabling many new electronic device applications. The educational component reaches out to a large and diverse base of students at the K-8, undergraduate and graduate levels, and will provide for many valuable experiences (e.g. new classroom demonstrations and research article discussions) in solid-state chemistry. The project will also provide research students with valuable professional training in advanced research techniques, including in solid-state syntheses, characterization, and physical property measurements. Non-Technical Abstract Many future solid-state electronic devices are currently envisioned but that depend on a better understanding of the interactions between electrons within solids as well as how to utilize them in new multifunctional formats. For example, new research is necessary in order to learn how to employ the spin orientation of an electron to speed logic operations or to increase data storage capacities, or alternatively, for the resistance-free flow of electrical current. The research plans are centered around these overarching objectives, and aim toward a diverse range of flexible solid-state structures, based on the synergistic incorporation of organics into rhenium and molybdenum oxides, that possess an advanced functionality and flexibility that has never previously been utilized to probe electronic properties. Further, the multifunctional oxide/organic solids will represent a new and significant gateway for gaining control over the electronic properties at the molecular/atomic level, and that hold promise for enabling their application in future electronic devices. Research students will gain valuable professional training in advanced research techniques, involving solid-state syntheses, characterization, and physical property measurements. The project also includes the installment of cutting-edge research examples and demonstrations into the classroom, to help increase the understanding and awareness of the important contributions of solid-state chemistry research to society.