New ligand molecules

The Chemistry and Physics of Light Transition Metals in Low Coordination Number Environments

The objective of the project is to design and find ways to make new molecules that contain an abundant and inexpensive metal (like iron, cobalt, manganese etc.) that is surrounded and stabilised by the smallest possible number of linked molecules (3 or 2 if possible) that are called ligands. In this way, we hope to uncover some hidden chemical and physical properties associated with the metal under these environments, such as novel magnetic and other physical properties that could help us understand how to use these metals in future devices (single molecule magnets, single ion magnets).

The project will enable unprecedented observation of novel metal reactivity warranted by the open structure and easy metal accessibility and will contribute to our insight into the role of the metals in established important catalytic processes (for example Haber-Bosch nitrogen reduction to ammonia which is based on iron). While these processes are of utmost importance, their mechanism at the molecular level is poorly understood. The USIAS fellow will work with a scientific team reflecting the multi- and interdisciplinary nature of the work including world-leading scientists from Strasbourg and the rest of the world.