Germanium nanoclusters
Our research interests are located at the interface between molecular and solid state chemistry, and involve synthesis, structural characterisation, as well as the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of soluble main group element clusters, fullerides and intermetallic compounds. Main topics are structure-property relations in semiconductors, superconductors and metals as well as molecular clusters, which can serve as building units for well-defined nanometer sized materials. The experimental work is supported by theoretical investigations (tight binding methods) and graphical analysis of the quantum chemical results with emphasis on the electronic structure and the description of the chemical bond in molecules and metals.
Nanoclusters of germanium show photoluminescence at roomtemperature. Homoatomic nine atom clusters of the elements Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb serve as building blocks for nanoclusters. They are small element particles, which occur with different charges and shapes. Mixed valent compounds and cluster linkage promise novel compounds with outstanding physical and chemical properties. In many respects they are closely related to fullerides (left Figure).
Polar intermetallic compounds which are intrinsic nanostructured (right Figure) are studied as model catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions (in cooperation with groups in technical chemistry).
