Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Quaternary Thioaluminogermanates

Abstract

Metal chalcogenides form an important class of inorganic materials, which include several technologically important applications. The design of metal chlcogenides is of technological interest and has encouraged recent research into moderate temperature solid-state synthetic methods for the single crystal growth of new materials. The aim of this project is the investigation and development of synthetic methodology for the synthesis of novel metal chlcogenides. The new inorganic compounds of the type “M(AlS2)(GeS2)” (M = Na and K) are new metal-chalcogenides, synthesized by the classical solid state approach. The characterization of these compounds was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. These theses study the synthesis of metal chalcogenides through the use of standard chemical techniques. The systematic studies demonstrate the effect of the reactants ratio and reaction temperature on the synthesis and growth of the single crystals. Metal chalcogenides have several potential applications in gas separation, ion exchange, environmental remediation, and energy storage. Especially, the ion exchange materials have found possible applications in waste-water treatment, water softening, metal separation, and production of high purity water.