CHEM 750/7500-01 - Atomic and Molecular Clusters

Description

Atomic and molecular clusters constitute intermediates between molecules, with clearly defined quantum states, and condensed matter where these states form bands or continua. As such, the study of clusters can be viewed as a means of unravelling the evolution of bulk properties from those of the constituent atoms/molecules. Interestingly, owing to the high ratio of surface atoms to bulk atoms, there are many analogies between the chemistry and physics of clusters and of solid surfaces. For this reason, clusters have traditionally been regarded as test cases for the study of surface reactivity and heterogeneous catalytic activity. More recently, however, attention has shifted towards cluster finite size effects, which leads to electronic, magnetic, optical, and chemical properties that are quite different from those of molecules or condensed matter. Now, the use of clusters as components in nanodevices is also attracting a great deal of attention. This course will describe the experimental generation, detection and interrogation of clusters, as well as the theoretical approaches that have been developed to aid in our understanding of their physical properties.

Chemistry 400 will be managed using the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system, which can be accessed via the LEARN facility at https://learn.uwaterloo.ca. This site will provide course information, problem set postings and solutions, schedules, supplementary lecture material, practise quizzes, and other information that you might find useful. Please subscribe to notifications from the D2L CHEM 400 page.

The text for this course is a comprehensive set of notes that will be available on the course site. Students will also find the text “Atomic and Molecular Clusters” by Roy L. Johnston to be useful. This book can be found in the UW Davis library (QC173.4.M48 J64). A second text titled “Atomic and Molecular Clusters” by Elliot R. Bernstein (QD461.A857) is also available to students at UW for further reading. For an in depth study of cluster potential energy surfaces, the text “Energy Landscapes” by David J. Wales (QD462.6.P64 W35) is an excellent resource.

Absences from exams or missed problem sets may be accommodated only if a completed Verification of Illness form (available from the “About Us” link at http://www.healthservices.uwaterloo.ca) is turned in to the Science Undergraduate Office. Absence for other reasons will result in a grade of zero for that component of the coursework.

Electronic devices will not be allowed during exams. If you are found with an electronic device during the exam period, you will be awarded a grade of 0% for that component of the course.  You are expected to be familiar with the UW expectations of Academic Integrity, and you are encouraged to complete the online quiz at http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/ait/.

Unit 1 – Introduction to Cluster Theory

Unit 2 – Ionic Clusters

Unit 3 – Metal Clusters

Unit 4 – Pure Rare Gas Clusters

Unit 5 – Doped Rare Gas Clusters

Unit 6 – Molecular Clusters

Unit 7 – Semiconductor Clusters