The post-doc would study the origin of the break in electronic structure that occurs in the actinide series starting at californium (Z = 98). More generally, he/she would probe the nature of bonding in actinide compounds. Their research would specifically center on:
- Syntheses, characterization, and computational analysis of archetypal coordination complexes of Pu(III), Am(III), Cm(III), Bk(III), Cf(III), and Es(III).
- Charge-density measurements on transuranium complexes with high-resolution X-ray diffraction.
- Fine-tuning ligand-to-metal charge transfer in Cf(III) complexes.
Our hypothesis is that the chemistry of trivalent californium is dominated by charge transfer from complexants owing to the metastability of the 2+ oxidation state. If correct, this phenomenon is more pronounced in einsteinium because the 2+ state increases in thermodynamic stability between californium and nobelium. Many of the above thrusts are directed at both understanding and fine-tuning the CT features in Cf(III) complexes. A portion of the proposal is also aimed at understanding the chemistry of einsteinium (Z = 99). Einsteinium is the last element in the periodic table that can be prepared in weighable quantities and also the final element where macroscopic properties can be measured. The synthesis, structural, spectroscopic, and computational analysis of an einsteinium complex has never been accomplished. The techniques and advanced instrumentation needed for these studies now exist, and we think that this feat can be accomplished.
While the focus is certainly placed on publishing cutting-edge research, I provide numerous opportunities for career development. These opportunities include: developing grant writing skills, attendance at international meetings, especially smaller meetings that are better for networking, attendance at our annual Energy Center meeting, and practice in public speaking.
