| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T20762/01 |
| Title: |
Molecular Minerals |
| Principal Investigator: |
Brechin, Professor EK |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
University of Edinburgh |
| Scheme: |
First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC |
| Starts: |
31 March 2005 |
Ends: |
30 March 2008 |
Value (£): |
92,835
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Chemical Structure |
Co-ordination Chemistry |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Manufacturing |
Chemicals |
| Electronics |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The proposal defines the synthesis and full physical characterisation of molecular minerals that are also Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs). These are molecules that behave as nanoscale magnets and thus have potential applications in information storage and quantum computing. One of the most important goals in this new area of chemistry is the synthesis of SMMs that function above liquid nitrogen temperatures. This proposal outlines new strategies for the synthesis of such molecules: Molecular Minerals. (a) a 'top-down approach to cage synthesis via the chemical fragmentation of an extended lattice structure leading to the isolation of extremely large metal units (>20 metals); the resultant complex may contain ions in high and/or unstable oxidation states; reactivity is dependent upon the lattice energy of the mineral - an unusual synthetic control. Many mineral lattices can be studied. (b) a 'bottom-up' approach whereby analogues of known minerals (e.g. magnetite) are formed via controlled hydrolysis of simple metal salts like iron chloride. By careful control of the metal, organic ligand, temperature and the presence of water and base, molecular analogues of minerals can be grown layer by layer. Techniques employed include X-ray crystallography, powder and single crystal SQUID magnetometry, multi-frequency EPR, Inelastic Neutron Scattering, Muon spin resonance, Electrochemistry and Paramagnetic NMR.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ed.ac.uk |