Physics and Chemistry of Inorganic Clathrates

The chemistry and physics of group 14 elements such as silicon and germanium have been extensively studied, largely due to their fundamental importance in the development of semiconductor electronics. In addition, crystalline open-framework and nano-porous materials are attracting increasing attention for their potential technological applications. Thus inorganic open-framework materials that are comprised of group 14 elements crystallizing in clathrate-hydrate-type crystal structures are of particular interest. These materials correspond to expanded forms and, in some cases, metastable allotropes of Si, Ge, and Sn, and the intriguing structures these materials exhibit are intimately related to the unique physical properties they possess. Just as interesting as the structure and properties that group 14 clathrate materials display is the diverse range of synthetic techniques used to prepare them as well as the interesting physical properties they possess. The work will encompass these aspects in detailing the unique structure-property relationships in these materials, and relate these properties to the potential for important technological applications, including photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications.