Group 10 Metal Allyl Amidinates: A Family of Readily Accessible and Stable Molecular Precursors to Generate Supported Nanoparticles.

The synthesis of well-defined materials as model systems for catalysis and related fields is an important pillar in the understanding of catalytic processes at a molecular level. Various approaches employing organometallic precursors have been developed and established to make monodispersed supported nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and films. Using rational design principles, a new family of precursors based on group 10 metals suitable for the generation of small and monodispersed nanoparticles on metal oxides has been developed. Particle formation on SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 supports is demonstrated, as well as the potential in the synthesis of bimetallic catalyst materials, exemplified by a PdGa/SiO 2 system capable of hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol. In addition to surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC), it is envisioned that these precursors could also be employed in related applications, such as atomic layer deposition, due to their inherent volatility and relative thermal stability.