Building on her research on visualizing and understanding bonding in real space using electron localization function basin analysis, Madison Genslinger built photoluminescent 3D printed tools to explain bonding in solids. We will debut these tools first in Shelbyville, IN, in partnership with IU’s Center for Rural Engagement, followed by Science fest, on October 17th and 24th.
Photoluminescent 3D Printed Diamond (left) and Niobium metal (right models) under visible (top) and UV (bottom) light. In both 3D prints the large spheres represent ions, while the small spheres represent electron localization basins. For diamond, exactly 2 electrons can be found along the C-C bond, while for Nb, there are multiple basins, each with relatively low electron count, highlighting the difference between covalent and metallic bonding.