Researchers in Japan have found a way to create innovative materials by blending metals with precision control. Their approach, based on a concept called atom hybridization, opens up an unexplored area of chemistry that could lead to the development of advanced functional materials.
Background
Multimetallic clusters — typically composed of three or more metals — are garnering attention as they exhibit properties that cannot be attained by single-metal materials. If a variety of metal elements are freely blended, it is expected that as-yet-unknown substances are discovered and highly-functional materials are developed. So far, no one had reported the multimetallic clusters blended with more than four metal elements so far because of unfavorable separation of different metals. One idea to overcome this difficulty is miniaturization of cluster sizes to one-nanometer scale, which forces the different metals to be blended in a small space. However, there was no way to realize this idea.
Overview
A team, including Takamasa Tsukamoto, Takane Imaoka, Kimihisa Yamamoto and colleagues, has developed an atom hybridization method, which has realized the first-ever synthesis of multimetallic clusters consisting of more than five metal elements with precise control of size and composition. This method employs a dendrimer template that serves as a tiny “scaffold” to enable controlled accumulation of metal salts. After precise uptake of the different metals into the dendrimer, multimetallic clusters are obtained by chemical reduction. (See Figure 1.) In contrast, a conventional method without the dendrimer yields enlargement of cluster sizes and separation of different metals. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2. A conventional method without the dendrimer template
Large clusters (of over 10-nanometers) are obtained, and different metals are separated from each other.
The team successfully demonstrated the formation of five-element clusters composed of gallium (Ga), indium (In), gold (Au), bismuth (Bi) and tin (Sn), as well as iron (Fe), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), antimony (Sb) and copper (Cu), and a six-element cluster consisting of Ga, In, Au, Bi, Sn and platinum (Pt). Additionally, they hint at the possibility of making clusters composed of eight metals or more.
Future Development
This atom hybridization method using the dendrimer template can synthesize ultrasmall multimetallic clusters with precise control of size and composition. There are more than 90 metals in the periodic table. With infinite combinations of metal elements, atomicity and composition, this method will open up a new field in chemistry on a one-nanometer scale. The current study marks a major step forward in creating such as-yet-unknown innovative materials.
Learn more: Breakthrough in blending metals: Precise control of multimetallic one-nanometer cluster formation achieved
The Latest on: Advanced materials
via Google News
The Latest on: Advanced materials
- Quest for Advanced Materials in Automotive Manufacturing to Drive Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO) Resins Market: Fact.MR Studyon June 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Increasing Demand for Electronic Components in Several Industries Owing To Rapid Digitization Is Expected To Drive the Shipments of Polyphenylene Oxide Resins over the DecadeUnited States, Rockville ...
- Avalon Advanced Materials Inc stock $verbed on Wednesday.on June 22, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Detailed price information for Avalon Advanced Materials Inc (AVL-T) from The Globe and Mail including charting and trades.
- Researchers derive new theory on behavior of new class of materialson June 22, 2022 at 12:32 am
Researchers led by CEE Professor Oscar Lopez-Pamies have derived the governing equations that describe and explain the macroscopic mechanical behavior of elastomers filled with liquid inclusions ...
- Morgan Advanced Materials (OTCMKTS:MCRUF) Reaches New 1-Year Low at $3.50on June 22, 2022 at 12:24 am
Morgan Advanced Materials plc (OTCMKTS:MCRUF – Get Rating)’s share price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $3.50 and last traded at $3.50, with a volume of ...
- Avalon Advanced Materials remains focused on developing Separation Rapids Lithium Project in Ontarioon June 21, 2022 at 10:36 am
Avalon Advanced Materials CEO Don Bubar joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news about the company with an eye on ...
- 5E Advanced Materials (NASDAQ:FEAM) Shares Gap Down to $20.96on June 21, 2022 at 7:58 am
E Advanced Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:FEAM – Get Rating)’s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $20.96, but opened at $19.48. 5E Advanced Materials ...
- Advanced materials and automation: manufacturing's 'dream team'on June 21, 2022 at 7:02 am
The University of Manchester’s expertise in advanced materials and robotic systems will play a key role in driving a revolution in UK manufacturing, according to graphene start-up pioneer Dr Vivek ...
- Can Advanced Materials Address Moore’s Law Slowdown and the Chip Shortage?on June 20, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Is Moore’s Law slowing down? What role does More-than-Moore technology play as the industry moves forward? What are the current challenges faced by manufact ...
- 5E Advanced Materials to join Russell 2000 Index, Russell 3000 Index, and Russell Microcap Indexon June 13, 2022 at 6:54 am
E Advanced Materials (FEAM) to be included in the Russell 2000 Index, Russell 3000 Index, and Russell Microcap Index effective after the U.S ...
via Bing News