Project Description
One of the seminal problems in materials chemistry is the synthesis of new materials.  While the motivation lies in the novel properties that new materials promise, it should not be forgotten that the synthesis is the initial step.  The synergism between the study of material properties and synthesis is clear, however, advances in synthesis are essential to the discovery and study of new or enhanced phenomena.   One class of materials of great current interest are nanomaterials, which promise enhanced properties over their bulk counterparts because of their high surface area to volume ratio and quantum effects due to electronic confinement.  Methods for the synthesis of these materials are still in their infancy and merit exploration, for without effective synthetic methods, taking advantage of the promise of nanomaterials will not be possible.

Project Goals
Synthesis of nanomaterials by sub-ambient homogeneous reduction by alkalides  is one of only a few general solution routes to nanomaterials.  It is capable of producing nanoparticles, alloys and compounds, free flowing or supported, across the periodic table.  It is the only solution method shown to date to be capable of producing rare earth nanoparticles. We are pursuing the synthesis and characterization of a wide range of nanomaterials by this method including metals, alloys and ceramics.  Additionally, we are utilizing stopped-flow spectroscopy to study the early reaction products, and the kinetics of nanoparticle formation, for  these diffusion controlled reductions.  We aim to not only explore synthetic pathways to low temperature and metastable phases but to develop the fundamental knowledge to allow for rational synthesis of these solid state materials.

Gold Coated Gadolinium Nanocrystals

NaTaO3 Nanorods

Battery Chemistry