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Summer Chemistry Research

August 2, 2007

Summer research is going green in the chemistry department. Two rising sophomores, Samantha DeCarlo '10 and Heather Sheridan '10, are investigating more environmentally friendly synthetic pathways in the production of barium-based perovskites (for example, barium titanate—Heather's project) and strontium-doped perovskites (Samantha's project). These electroceramic compounds are used as semi-conductors in computers, aerospace, and communication technologies. This internship is under the supervision of Dr. Anne Marteel-Parrish, Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

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The first step of the synthesis starts with the dissolution of naturally occurring minerals such as titanium dioxide using minimum amount of acid and energy.
The first step of the synthesis starts with the dissolution of naturally occurring minerals such as titanium dioxide using minimum amount of acid and energy.
Heather is adjusting the shield for safety purposes, ...
Heather is adjusting the shield for safety purposes, ...
...adding catechol (substance synthesized from D-glucose) which readily dissolves, ...
...adding catechol (substance synthesized from D-glucose) which readily dissolves, ...
...then adding the acidic solution to the dropping funnel, ...
...then adding the acidic solution to the dropping funnel, ...
...adjusting the drop rate for the acidic solution, and ...
...adjusting the drop rate for the acidic solution, and ...
...clamping everything.
...clamping everything.
The reaction is working and fizzling.
The reaction is working and fizzling.
Heather is setting a sand bath (one of the most energy efficient ways to heat a solution), ...
Heather is setting a sand bath (one of the most energy efficient ways to heat a solution), ...
...adding water for dilution purpose, ...
...adding water for dilution purpose, ...
...adding the source of barium, ...
...adding the source of barium, ...
...shutting down the sash ...
...shutting down the sash ...
...and having a lot of fun scraping the barium titanium catecholate intermediate after water is evaporated out.
...and having a lot of fun scraping the barium titanium catecholate intermediate after water is evaporated out.
Samantha is doping the intermediate with a source of strontium so that this electroceramic can operate as a capacitor at room temperature. Water is the only solvent used. Two doping strategies are investigated: the use of a centrifuge to improve the dissolution ...
Samantha is doping the intermediate with a source of strontium so that this electroceramic can operate as a capacitor at room temperature. Water is the only solvent used. Two doping strategies are investigated: the use of a centrifuge to improve the dissolution ...
...and the use of a regular microwave found in familiar kitchens.
...and the use of a regular microwave found in familiar kitchens.
The last step in the production of perovskites and doped perovskites is the calcination step using a tube furnace. Heather is setting the black barium titanium catecholate intermediate in a porcelain boat ...
The last step in the production of perovskites and doped perovskites is the calcination step using a tube furnace. Heather is setting the black barium titanium catecholate intermediate in a porcelain boat ...
...and is checking out the tube furnace—nobody in there?
...and is checking out the tube furnace—nobody in there?
Samantha is taking out the final perovskite compound (barium titanate), which is now white.
Samantha is taking out the final perovskite compound (barium titanate), which is now white.
Samantha's production is growing.
Samantha's production is growing.
George Washington is watching over Samantha's products.
George Washington is watching over Samantha's products.
Samantha is getting ready to analyze a perovskite material using infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. She is mixing potassium bromide with the perovskite powder using a mortar and pestle to make a pellet.
Samantha is getting ready to analyze a perovskite material using infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. She is mixing potassium bromide with the perovskite powder using a mortar and pestle to make a pellet.
She is adding the mixture to the pellet making device (nut and bolts).
She is adding the mixture to the pellet making device (nut and bolts).
Heather is helping with the tightening of the bolts.
Heather is helping with the tightening of the bolts.
Is this an acceptable pellet? Or is it cracked?
Is this an acceptable pellet? Or is it cracked?
Heather is looking at the pellet through the light.
Heather is looking at the pellet through the light.
Heather and Anne Marteel-Parrish are putting extra powder in a desiccator to avoid water absorption.
Heather and Anne Marteel-Parrish are putting extra powder in a desiccator to avoid water absorption.
Heather is placing the nut with the pellet in the IR spectrometer for analysis.
Heather is placing the nut with the pellet in the IR spectrometer for analysis.
We are analyzing the specific features of perovskites present in an IR spectrum.
We are analyzing the specific features of perovskites present in an IR spectrum.
Samantha is showing her series of spectra for each intermediate.
Samantha is showing her series of spectra for each intermediate.
Anne Marteel-Parrish is summarizing the uses of this type of material.
Anne Marteel-Parrish is summarizing the uses of this type of material.
Sometimes we make something and we do not know what it is... this is our "yellow blah," yet to be characterized.
Sometimes we make something and we do not know what it is... this is our "yellow blah," yet to be characterized.
This is a hard drive where we can find these electroceramic materials—green chemistry and materials science go hand in hand.
This is a hard drive where we can find these electroceramic materials—green chemistry and materials science go hand in hand.

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