Open-Framework Germanates and Nickel Germanates : Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract: Microporous materials have a wide range of important applications in separation, gas adsorption, ion-exchange and catalysis. Open-framework germanates are a family of microporous compounds and are of particular interest. This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of new open-framework germanates as well as introducing the transition-metal nickel into germanate structures.One new microporous germanosilicate, SU-78 and four new open-framework germanates, SU-74, SU-75, SU-69 and SU-76 have been obtained by using organic molecules as structure directing agents (SDAs). The incorporation of nickel and organic SDAs in the synthesis resulted in five novel nickel germanates, SUT-1, SUT-2, SUT-3, SUT-4 and SUT-5, in which nickel complexes act either as framework-forming components or as structure directing agents.The general synthesis route is described and the variables that affect the synthesis products are summarized. Different techniques applied on the characterization of chemical and physical properties of the products are also introduced.