Study shows that the oxidation state of zinc can be +3, fundamentally changing the chemistry of the element

Zinc traditionally has a valence of two, which means that two electrons take part in the element’s chemical reaction. A new article by Commonwealth University of Virginia researcher Puru Jena, Ph.D. shows that the chemistry of zinc can be fundamentally altered, making it trivalent – or a valence of three – with the appropriate reagent.

“This technology allows you to manipulate chemistry at the fundamental level, making it possible to synthesize new materials with tailored properties,” said Jena, professor emeritus of physics at the College of Humanities.

While zinc is classified as a transition metal element, its third electron layer – arranged around the nucleus and containing electrons – is solid and, unlike ordinary transition metals, does not participate in the chemical reaction of zinc. and does not allow zinc to be magnetic. However, Jena discovered that when it reacts with highly stable trianions, the properties of zinc can be altered.

“His [third shell] Electrons participate in chemical reactions and zinc can carry a magnetic moment, “Jena said.” This study shows that the basic chemical properties of an atom can be changed.

Jena’s article, “Realization of Zn³⁺ Oxidation state “, was published in the journal Nanoscale. The research was funded by the US Department of Energy.

Jena, author of approximately 650 articles and 14 books, has been researching atomic clusters and nanoparticles for over 35 years.

“The remarkable properties of nanomaterials are that they can be very different from their bulk counterparts. For example, gold, a noble metal, can be reactive when the size is reduced to nanometers,” he said. . “This is what we call modern day alchemy.”

Jena’s groundbreaking zinc discoveries build on his earlier work, he said, as he and his colleagues developed atomic clusters that can be very stable when carrying multiple loads.

“We are always exploring new materials with properties that people thought were impossible to achieve; we do this by controlling their size, composition and state of charge,” he said. “The possibilities are endless.”

In addition to Jena, study co-authors include Hong Fang, Ph.D., assistant research professor in the Department of Physics, and postdoctoral fellows Deepika, Ph.D., and Huta Banjade, Ph.D.