I. Synthesis and Reactivity of Novel β-Diketiminato-cadmium Complexes, II. Synthesis of Lead Selenide Nanoparticles for Use in Solar Cells

Rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere has led to metal amide and alkoxide complexes being explored as potential CO₂ activators. A wide variety of M–O and M–N bonds have been shown to activate CO₂, however to date there are no examples with cadmium. A range of novel cadmium amide and alkoxide complexes have been synthesised, using the β-diketiminato ligand (BDI) as an ancilliary ligand. Initial reactivity studies have suggested CO₂ activation may be possible, although no products were isolated. Homonuclear metallic bonding (M–M) has been explored since the 1950’s and complexes containing M–M bonds are known for almost all transition and main group metals. There are only two reported Cd–Cd bonds, both using sterically bulky monoanionic ligands, like the β-diketiminato ligand. A novel β-diketiminato-cadmium chloride complex was synthesised and treated with a range of different reducing agents to generate a Cd–Cd bond. Different reactivities were observed for the reducing agents, however evidence of a Cd–Cd bond was not obtained. Group 14-16 materials, such as lead selenide, are p-type semi-conductors and have the potential to replacing silicon as a photon acceptor in solar cells. Lead selenide nanoparticles display quantum confinement effects, which allows one to tailor the band gap energies to maximise their absorbance of solar energy. The synthesis of PbSe nanoparticles is described in this study from the reaction between selenium and the lead complex [(BDIph)₂Pb], as well as from the decomposition of [(BDIdipp)PbSeP{Se}Cy₂]. Differences in the size and shapes of the nanoparticles was observed, highlighting the need for controlled nucleation and growth conditions.