High pressure synthesis and characterization of precious metal borates and silicates

• Applicant: Dr. Jörn Bruns
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: from 2015 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 283970305

The main goal of the intended research project is the synthesis of very basic, however until now unknown precious metal compounds. Due to the inert character of the precious metals are special reaction conditions required for the synthesis of new compounds. In case of the present research aim these special reaction conditions are achieved by applying extremely high pressure and high temperature. Thus, the almost unexplored precious metal borates and maybe also the respective silicates should be obtained via reactions of the neat precious metals and/or its respective derivatives and adequate boron and silicon species under high pressure - high temperature conditions. Utilization of solid state strong oxidizing media (SO3, K2S2O8, XeF2) might cause stabilization of high oxidation states for the precious metals. Also more convenient reactions, like solvothermal synthesis are intended, however, even under high pressure - high temperature conditions. The obtained solids will be characterized extensively. By means of single crystal X-ray diffraction the structure and constitution of the compounds will be deciphered. Moreover, the obtained materials will be characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction techniques (XRD), infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric measurements. If special oxidation states or unusual bond situations are observed quantum chemical and magnetochemical methods will be applied. In the host institute syntheses under high pressure - high temperature conditions are established procedures. Moreover, a multianvil-apparatus is available. The latter allows for the synthesis of large amounts of the respective products at high pressure and elevated temperature. In combination of know-how in synthesizing solid materials under high pressure - high temper-ature conditions and the expertise of borate chemistry in the Huppertz group with the profound experiences of the applicant, the host institute will be the optimal place for the desired project. Moreover, the project has potential for development. Particularly, the gained expertise might not only be transferred to other metals, but also to other classes of compounds, thus for example to the almost completely unexplored precious metal carbonates.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Austria
• Host: Professor Dr. Hubert Huppertz