This research focuses on the synthesis and growth of metal and metal nitride nanoparticles, nanowires, or clusters, for catalysis, energetics or optical applications, ALD/ALE precursors for low temp growth of oxides and nitrides, carbon nitride based ionic conductors, and research involving grey tin nanoclusters. Current nanoparticle work focuses on aluminum, boron, TiN and other early transition metal nitrides, and conductive metal nanowires. We also synthesize nanomaterials of reactive dense metals with high volumetric heats of combustion such as hafnium.  Available facilities include several high vacuum lines; inert atmosphere dryboxes (both argon recirculating and N₂ flow); glassware for inert atmosphere synthesis; a H₂ absorption measurement apparatus; a Leco hydrothermal system; various autoclaves and pressure vessels for hydrothermal, solvothermal, and high-pressure synthesis; tube furnaces up to 1500°C; a 300 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer with both MAS and liquids capability; an infrared spectrometer; powder x-ray diffraction; Raman spectroscopy; a TGA/DSC system; various optical spectrometers; SEM/EDS; a network analyzer setup for dielectric measurements, and high voltage apparatus for measurement of breakdown strength. A SQUID and vibrating sample magentometers are available in other NRL divisions. A high pressure TGA system and the ability to conduct NMR spectroscopy under gas pressure is available.

 

key words

Reactive metals; Energetic materials; Hydrogen storage; Superconductors; Clusters; Nanofilaments; Carbon dioxide; Ammonothermal; Nanoparticles;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants