Small molecule and self-assembled monolayer templating strategies

This dissertation explores the templating and self-assembly techniques in the synthesis of extended Sn-based compounds, multipurpose nanodevice coatings and molecular electronics.; An anionic templating technique was used in a pyridine-water system to synthesize extended tin compounds, leading to the isolation of seven new tin extended compounds. In addition, several known compounds were synthesized in a purer form than earlier reported in literature. The compounds are denoted BING-n, where BING stands for Binghamton university. Of the seven structures, one is a chain compound BING-4 [Sn(C2O4)(C5H 5N) which exhibit an oxalate chain capped by pyridine]. A 3D framework BING-1 [Na4Sn4(C2O4)3F 6] material, the other five compounds are layered BING-2 [KSn(C 2O4)F] is a potassium fluoride ring sandwiched by tin oxalate layers, BING-7 ([Sn(C2O4)F-][NH 4+],19 a fluorinated tin oxalate layered compound, BING-8 ([Sn(PO4H)F-][NH4 +],19 an anionic fluorinated tin phosphate compounds with interlamellar charge-balancing ammonium cations, BING-12 [NaSnF 3], a tin fluoride layered compound with fluoride galleries in between the layers and a layered tin mixed-cobalt compound [(SnCo2O (OH) 2(HPO4)2] with tin locked in the inter layer space. The known compound is a condensed phase tin fluoro phosphate [Sn3F 3PO4].; The compounds were characterized by a variety of techniques, including VT-variable Temperature Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The solvent system and its influence on the formation of these materials are discussed. The general formation technique as it relates to the oxidation state and prevalent geometries of tin compounds is also discussed. The templating technique used is a new anionic templating technique, but the templates in most cases formed part of the framework.; The multi-purpose bilayer ceramic coating was synthesized by a self-assembly templating technique. The SAM template acted as a tunable building block for the subsequent growth of zirconia layer. The film was characterized by variety of surface analysis techniques, such as SEM, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy and nanoindentation. The ceramic coating was found to display a porous structure with spherical particles necked in some areas. The hardness of the film was found to be ∼3GPa, suggesting a soft film. In a related project, the use of a SAM as an insulator in a metal-insulator-metal junction was explored. Results from the analysis suggest a failure of the device; the problems are highlighted and the new direction of the research is described.