With growing developments in the technology sector requiring more advanced materials, the synthesis of single source precursors (SSPs) provides a convenient method for the deposition of target materials via facile, scalable and economical routes. Recent work has highlighted the use of β-ketoiminate, functionalised-alkoxide and β-iminoesterate ligands around a main group metal centre, such as gallium (Figure 1) or aluminium as viable SSPs to transparent conducting films (TCFS). These ligands provide thermal stability and lower melting points - achieved through the ability to ‘tune’ the properties of the precursor through functionalisation of the coordinating nitrogen group. This tunability combined with well-defined thermolysis routes (e.g. β-hydride elimination) affords a precursor that is tailored to a specific application, producing the target material easily and efficiently. Further functionalisation is possible by incorporating other metals into the SSP. This mixture of both metals can complement the desired properties of the target material, for example transparency and conductivity. Coordination of the metals can be achieved through tethered halide, alkyl or hydride bridges. To date, the reactivity and structural properties of these new precursors are yet to be investigated. Here we discuss the chemistry of precursor development and report our work on the synthesis, reactivity and characterisation of main group mixed metal systems and their optoelectronic properties when deposited as thin films. Using chemical intuition combined with ligand design, we can tune the properties of the resultant precursor at the molecular level, making precursor function fully customisable.

Investigations into the synthesis, reactivity, and thermolysis of heterobimetallic precursors

2019 Fall National Meeting

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