Synthesis, Isolation and Characterization of Molecular Particles of II-VI Compounds

We have been able to prepare large clusters of II-VI compound semiconductor materials using organometallic analogs of arrested precipitation reactions in reverse micelles. The size of cluster formed in a given reaction is easily controlled, giving a dispersity of + above - 10% in diameter. Using subsequent organometallic reactions we have been able to passivate the surface of the particles with covalently bound organic groups. This allows the isolation of pure cluster compounds as powders. The powders can be purified and redispersed in typical organic solvents. In addition to their synthesis, I will describe a variety of the particles' physical and chemical properties.