The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Royce Murray of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prof. Murray's research will increase our understanding of the effect of interactions between the gold core and capping ligands on the electronic properties of monolayer protected gold nanoclusters (MPC). Prof. Murray and his students will develop new chemistry to significantly improve and control the coupling of nanoparticles to one another and to surfaces. They will also continue developing new analytical tools to characterize MPCs' polydispersity, composition, and dynamics. The project will advance basic understanding of nanoparticulate matter and in the long term lead to the development of new and improved electronic devices. The study will provide an excellent educational opportunity for undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who wish to train in the cutting edge area of electronic nanomaterials.
