Structures and thermodynamic properties of poly-nuclear ion clusters – POM clusters


h1092098 - Posted on 22 November 2011

Project Description: 

In this project the gas phase stability of of naturally occurring metal species in aqueous environment is studied. The goal is to obtain fundamental properties of ion cluster reactions, pertaining to metal speciation in epithermal ore deposits.

Research Project Details
Project Duration: 
10/2010 to 10/2014
Project Significance: 
To identify and characterize isomers of different polynuclear ion clusters, especially 3d and 4d transition metals in combination with naturally occurring ligands. Results from these studies directly relate to the speciation of such metals in low density, high temperature steam.
Results Achieved: 
ESI FT-ICR mass spectrometry allows observe wide range of polyoxometalate clusters in aqueous solutions of Na2MoO4 and Na2WO4. For the first time, we present mass spectra of mixed [(Na2MoO4)m(Na2WO4)nNax)]x+ and their theoretical structures. We also report theoretical structures and energies of pure singly- and multiply-charged tungstate and molybdate ion clusters. Our results support previous studies[1-4] on the existence and energetic properties of [(Na2WO4)nNax)]x+ and [(Na2MoO4)mNax)]x+ ion clusters and provide a suitable means of delivering molecular-scale information on the speciation, distribution and abundance of such moieties in crustal fluids.
Remarks: 
To calculate thermodynamic properties of ion clusters