Publication Date

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Committee Members

David Grossie (Committee Member), Vladimir Katovic (Advisor), Suzanne Lunsford (Committee Member)

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The imidazolium based ionic liquid: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidizoliumtetrafluoroborate, (EMIBF4) was synthesized to be used as a solvent for the electrochemical investigation of molybdenum and tungsten. The electrochemical window is about 4.2V after removing traces of impurities such as Cl- and H2O. Electronic spectra of metal clusters [Mo3O2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+2 ; [W3O2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+2 ; [MoW2O2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+2 and [Mo2WO2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+2 in EMIBF4 are identical to the spectra of the same clusters obtained in water. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) of Mo and W clusters obtained in EMIBF4 are clearly dependant on the potential of working electrode. For example the CV of [Mo3O2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+2 metal clusters on glassy carbon electrodes displays a reduction peak at ≈ +1.0V and a reversible oxidation peak at ≈ 1.8 - 2.0V and a reoxidation peak upon reversal of potential characteristic of deposition of metals on the Pt electrode. In this research we propose that during electrolysis, the clusters will be disintegrated during oxidation and the metal will be deposited onto the platinum electrode by reduction.

Page Count

65

Department or Program

Department of Chemistry

Year Degree Awarded

2008

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