Copper clusters are nanoscale materials comprised of a metal core or frame enclosed by a mantle of stabilizing ligands; their exploration offers progress in diverse fields, such as medicine, electronics, and fundamental chemistry as catalysts, reducing agents, corrosion inhibitors, and petroleum sweeteners. When stabilized with dithiocarbamate (DTC) ligands (L), copper clusters show a propensity for reversible hydrogen uptake and a remarkable versatility in size and shape as demonstrated by the facile substitution of the protecting groups and multitude of species attainable. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the versatility of the Cu-DTC system by the novel use of an aromatic dibenzyl DTC ligand (L’) to generate clusters of previously known composition (i.e., Cu8HL’6 PF6). As demonstrated herein, the new materials are air stable and amenable to characterization by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry. The subject ‑ hydrogen-rich caged cluster materials have potential applications as hydrogen storage sponges to great benefit to material science, energy, and other chemical fields.

The Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) presented a directive to reduce the visual signature for small arms weapons by altering the color of the M4A1 rifle from its traditional black color. This research utilizes the Systems Decision Process (SDP) to develop and analyze alternatives to create a feasible and permanent solution to reduce the weapon’s visual signature. The research consisted of an extensive stakeholder and functional analysis to develop a value model and framework that provides a values-based recommendation. The model establishes an optimal color change process that accounts for the design and performance characteristics of the weapon system and the stakeholder’s values. The research also analyzes the potential integration of short wave infrared (SWIR) mitigation into the new color of the weapon. This analysis will establish a baseline methodology for weapon color change for all Army small arms weapons.