Nanomaterials Chemistry
This list includes a number of LOs to help in teaching nanomaterials subjects; however, it is not exhaustive.
Updated June 2018.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Organometallic Ru(II) Complexes with Fluorinated Phosphine and Phosphite Ligands
Description
In this experiment, students will synthesize and characterize a series of Ru(II) p-cymene piano-stool complexes.
Working with Catalytic Cycles
Description
Students work in groups to identify relevant steps and intermediates in 3 catalytic cycles, all the while considering bonding (and electron counting) factors. Following assignment of these steps and intermediate species, the students consider several questions related to catalysis more broadly, particularly the role of each reagent, how to speed up or slow down specific steps, and the importance of regiospecificity in certain steps.
Iron Cross-Coupling Catalysis
Description
In this experiment, students will synthesize and characterize an iron complex followed by completion of two series of catalytic cross-coupling reactions mimicking the methodology utilized by organometallic chemists to balance catalyst efficacy and substrate scope. Initially the complex Fe(acac)3 [acac = acetylacetone] is prepared. Two sets of catalytic reactions are completed: one comparing different iron catalysts (Fe(acac)3, FeCl2, FeCl3) while the other compares substrates (4-chlorotoluene, 4-chlorobenzonitrile, 4-chlorotrifluorotoluene).
Antibacterial Reactivity of Ag(I) Cyanoximate Complexes
Description
In this experiment, students will synthesize and characterize one of three Ag(I) cyanoximate complexes as potential antimicrobial agents for use in dental implants. This experiment combines simple ligand synthesis, metalation and characterization, and a biomedical application. The complexes are both air and light stable.
Literature Discussion: Manganese mesbpy electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction
Description
Upper division literature discussion of a JACS paper on electrocatalysis. This activity serves as an introductory look at the paper as a homework assignment to prepare the student for a more in depth class discussion.
A discussion on "Electrochemical formation of a surface-adsorbed hydrogen-evolving species"
Description
The paper entitled “Electrochemical hydrogenation of a homogeneous nickel complex to form a surface adsorbed hydrogen-evolving species” explores the discovery, characterization and catalytic activity of a film that deposited on the electrode while studying a nickel complex under electrocatalytic conditions.
This literature discussion includes several sets of questions that address different aspects of the paper, as described in the implementation notes.
Synthesis of Aspirin- A Lewis Acid Approach
Description
This is the procedure for a Fe(III) catalyzed synthesis of aspirin, an alternative to the traditionally sulfuric acid catalyzed synthesis of aspirin. The prep compares and contrasts the Bronsted acid catalyzed esterification reaction with a Lewis acid iron (III) catalyzed pathway. This can be used in different courses at different levels, but is it written for a general/intro level chemistry course.
Palladium-catalyzed couplings: Literature examples
Description
Examples taken from the literature for the six palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions used in organic chemistry.
Materials Project
Description
The Materials Project is part of the Materials Genome Initiative that uses high-througput computing to uncover the properties of inorganic materials.
It's possible to search for materials and their properties
It employs high-throughput computation approaches and IT to create a system that can be used to predict properties and construct phase diagrams andPourbaix diagrams.