This proposal on "Preparation and Properties of Layered Organic Derivatives of Group IV Metals" between Dr. Abraham Clearfield of Texas A&M University and Professor Guang-Zhi Peng of the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lake of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is jointly sponsored by NSF and CAS. The researchers propose to combine synthetic capabilities of the Qinghai Institute with characterization techniques available at Texas A&M (solid state NMR, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, surface analysis, electron microscopy and diffraction methods) to investigate the synthesis and behavior of organic derivatives of layered group IV phosphates, especially and their synthesis of novel phosphonic acids and organic phosphates and their subsequent reaction with IV cations. These reactions lead to the formation of layered metal phosphonates and phosphates in which the organic moiety resides in the interlamellar space. When diphosphonic acids are used, the organic group bridges across layers and acts as pillars holding the layers in place. The researchers will attempt to prepare mixed derivatives so as to space the pillars and produce pores of relatively uniform size, and to functionalize the organic groups with carboxylate, sulphonate and amino groups to impart ion exchange and complexing power to the derivatives. Catalyically active species will also be immobilized on the layered compounds. This research should be applicable to photochemistry, separations procedures, catalysis, ion exchange and ion sieving. The subject compounds can also be precursors to the synthesis of novel interlayered phosphates and oxides.
