This opportunity focuses on the accelerated synthesis of energetics through confined volume methodologies. Research will be conducted on mass spectrometry ion sources to generate confined volumes for acceleration. Comparisons of acceleration across reaction classes and ion sources will be determined. Several ion sources will be used to generate the confined volumes including paper spray ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, easy ambient sonic spray ionization, electrospray ionization, and nanoelectrospray ionization. Leidenfrost droplets, although not an ion source, will also be explored as an environment for accelerated synthesis. The NAWCWD Chemistry Department maintains a variety of analytical equipment to support this area of research including several mass, NMR, Raman, and FTIR spectrometers, as well as a single crystal X-ray diffraction facility.

key words

Reaction Acceleration; Confined Volumes; Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry; Synthesis; Energetic Materials; Analytical Chemistry

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants