Michael J. Wagner Associate Professor of Chemistry

Nanoscale Materials

The focus of research in my group is the synthesis, study and application of solid-state inorganic materials with technologically significant magnetic, electrical, optical, electrochemical or catalytic properties.  Of particular interest are nanoscale (1 - 20 nm diameter) materials.  These materials can have vastly enhanced properties over their bulk counterparts because of their high surface area to volume ratio and quantum effects due to electronic confinement.  In addition to our interest in their intrinsic properties, we also utilize them as precursors to metastable and nanostructured materials as well as components of composites.

Currently, we have three main project areas, all well supported by external funding, the synthesis of nanoscale materials by alkalide reduction, development of magnetic refrigerants for ambient temperature applications and the development of improved Li-ion battery electrode materials.  Follow the links to the left to meet the members of the lab, learn about the projects, take a virtual tour of the labs and see pictures from some of the meetings/events we have attended.

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