1. Ion Transport in Beta-Gallia Rutile Intergrowths Doreen Edwards, Alfred University, DMR-0093690
A0.7Ga4.7Ti0.3O8
Beta-gallia-rutile (BGR) intergrowths are interesting materials because they possess small 1-D tunnels that are suitable hosts for small-to-medium sized cations. This type of host-guest architecture is often found in materials for electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. Currently, we are focusing on one specific BGR-related structure, A0.7Ga4.7Ti0.3O8, where A is a monovalent cation like H+, Li+ Na+, or K+. We have found that only the Na+ analog can be formed by solid-state reaction and have developed a variety of solution- based methods for exchanging Na+ with other species. Impedance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are being used to understand the exchange process.
Empty
tunnel
Alkali
cation
TiO2
LiGa5O8
GaO1.5
LiO0.5
LixGa4+xTi1-xO8
NaxGa4+xTi1-xO8
NaO0.5
Na0.7Ga4.7Ti0.3O8
NaxGa4+xTi2-xO10
TiO2
KxGa4+xTi1-xO8
GaO1.5
KO0.5
K0.8Ga4.8Ti2.2O12
K2.56 Ga22O34.28

2. Ion Transport in Beta-Gallia Rutile Intergrowths Doreen Edwards, Alfred University, DMR-0093690
Education and Outreach:
Three graduate students and two undergraduate students are currently involved in this project. Jake Amoroso is a second-year Ph.D. student investigating ion exchange in BGR materials. He was the co-author of one manuscript published in Solid State Ionics. Nathan Empie is a fourth year Ph.D. student investigating DNA attachment to BGR surfaces. He is the primary author of four manuscripts; one published in Solid State Ionics, one in Langmuir, and two under review. Stephen Sanford is a first year M.S. student investigating the photocatalytic activity of BGRs and other tunneled titanates. He is currently preparing a manuscript for publication.
Graduate student Jake Amoroso (above) demonstrated some of the interesting properties of glass and ceramic materials to high-school juniors during a tour of Alfred University’s campus.