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 m olecules without fusion resulting in the formation of a porous solid p roduct. Density (fluid displacement and single crystal dimensions) and BET surface area measurements confirm the porous nature of the materi al. The calculated pore dimensions and regularity is corroborated by T EM of thermolyzed films supported on carbon. The formation of an alpha -Co phase is detectable by XRD and electron diffraction with crystalli te size increasing with increasing heating temperature. The metallic n ature of the cobalt environment is demonstrated by XPS of the films. D ensification of the material occurs above 300-degrees-C with significa nt loss of surface area.