Research Projects

Atomically precise metal clusters are new generation molecular materials with defined molecular formulas and solvable crystal structures. They serve as excellent model systems for understanding reaction mechanisms and nano-catalysis. However, due to ligand passivation, partial or complete ligand removal is required during catalyst preparation, resulting in the loss of the original cluster structure. To address this issue, hydride-rich clusters with catalytic H- transfer sites will be created and used as hydrogen reservoirs without destroying the molecule. These clusters will be synthesized and characterized using UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI MS. Various phosphine ligands and SPhCl2, tert-butyl thiolate, 2,4-dimethylbenzenethiol, and phenylethane thiol will be used for synthesis. Sodium borohydride, 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, and sodium cyanoborohydride will be used to control the number of H- incorporation on the cluster surface. Cu and Cu containing alloy clusters will be synthesized using (PPh3)4CuBH4 and Stryker's reagent Cu6H6(PPh3)6 as Cu source and reducing agent. Temperature-dependent controlled release of hydride as hydrogen and related thermodynamics will be studied for applying the clusters as variable temperature hydrogen reservoirs. Higher H-containing clusters will be used to transfer H- to unsaturated organic compounds for catalytic hydrogenation. Hydride-rich thiolated, phosphine, or mixed ligand protected clusters will be used as catalysts for various organic reactions, allowing the catalyst to be recycled multiple times.