There are many areas of science where progress is materials limited. The synthesis and identification of new compounds that can lead to enhancements in existing technologies, or serve as the basis of revolutionary new technologies, is essential for developing new and improved technologies. The Zintl concept is used to distinguish a class of solid state compounds whose structure can be understood according to simple electron counting rules. Zintl compounds can be described by a combination of ionic and covalent bonding, composed of electropositive cations which donate electrons to the more electronegative components that utilize the electrons to form various bonding motifs. These simple bonding ideas provided the framework for the exploration of the frontiers of this area. My group has exploited Zintl compounds for their structural, chemical, and electronic properties as well as for their synthetic utility. In this talk, I will present research on Zintl phases for thermoelectric applications such as waste heat to electrical power conversion and as reactive precursors to silicon quantum dots for combined optical and MRI active biological probes.

Award Address  (Francis P. Garvan–John M. Olin Medal sponsored by Francis P. Garvan–John M. Olin Medal Endowment). Perspective on the chemistry and applications of the Zintl concept

245th National Meeting (2013)

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