FORMATION OF A HIGH SURFACE-AREA, REGULAR POROUS SOLID FROM THE CLUSTER OF CLUSTERS, ZN4IIO[(CO)9CO3CCO2]6

The discrete molecular cluster of clusters, Zn4(II)O[(CO)9Co3CCO2]6 (1), undergoes thermolysis with the sequential loss of 54 CO and 6 CO2 molecules without fusion resulting in the formation of a porous solid product. Density (fluid displacement and single crystal dimensions) and BET surface area measurements confirm the porous nature of the material. The calculated pore dimensions and regularity is corroborated by TEM of thermolyzed films supported on carbon. The formation of an alpha-Co phase is detectable by XRD and electron diffraction with crystallite size increasing with increasing heating temperature. The metallic nature of the cobalt environment is demonstrated by XPS of the films. Densification of the material occurs above 300-degrees-C with significant loss of surface area.