Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoscale Clusters and How Their Fundamental Coordination Geometries Affect Solution Speciation and Thin Film Properties
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Date
2019-09-18
Authors
Fulton, Brantly
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The objective of this thesis research is to understand how fundamental coordination geometry of aqueous nanoscale inorganic clusters effects solution speciation. While past research has developed a substantial understanding of inorganic nanoscale clusters in the solid state less is understood about their dynamic solution phase behavior. This research is designed to make a deliberate approach toward a better understanding of aluminum, scandium, and gallium cluster formation through a mineral dissolution approach while using both solution and solid-state characterization techniques.
Many of these unique clusters formed by this process serve as solution precursors for solution processed metal oxide thin films. Taking advantage of a facile, high yield, scalable mineral dissolution process will allow for robust characterization of metal oxide thin films in the solid state. The mineral dissolution approach applied herein offers new insight into how coordination geometry of clusters in the solution state is not only affected by concentration and pH but also how manipulation of these cluster types determines the electronic properties of their resultant metal oxide thin films by an aqueous solution process.
The outcomes of this research will help bridge the gap between the inorganic chemistry and geochemistry communities by keenly identifying species that are pertinent to both subfields. Additionally, the usage of these clusters as solution precursors for device fabrication will help merge the inorganic solution and solid-state communities. While the mineral dissolution approach applied here will mostly relate to aluminum and scandium cluster systems it can more broadly be applied across the periodic table and will serve as a platform for better understanding of more complex metal systems while still allowing for the fabrication of aqueous based metal oxide materials towards the design of applications that will affect both our modern and future world.
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Keywords
Green Materials Chemistry, Nanomaterials, Nanoscale Clusters