CAREER: Fundamental studies of charge transport through alkali metal doped zeolite films

San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Abstract

Andrew Ichimura of San Francisco State University is supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program to carry out an integrated materials chemistry research and education project. The central research hypothesis is that pure silica zeolite films doped with alkali metals will become semi-metals or conductors depending on the size and connectivity of the zeolite pores, the specific metal, and its concentration. Alkali metal doped pure silica zeolite (M@Z; M= Na-Cs) films will be prepared from zeolites with different channel sizes and structures (for example,1D or 3D). It will be demonstrated that high quality multilayered structures can be prepared that will enable new studies of charge transport within and through a zeolite film. Various spectroscopic methods and conductivity measurements will be used to establish the structure and properties of the material and interfacial regions. Outcomes are expected to demonstrate the directional charge transport according to the channel orientation with respect to applied current. A major goal is to determine whether conduction is activated or intrinsic to particular M@SZ materials. Fundamental studies of nanoporous zeolite films will expand the scope and applications of silica zeolites, advance the understanding of chemical and physical phenomena and inorganic-organic interfaces, and permit studies of low-dimensional conductivity in nanoporous solids. The educational component will incorporate materials chemistry into the curriculum at SFSU, a primarily undergraduate institution, and enable unique research opportunities for undergraduate and master's level students. Outcomes of this research are expected to impact solid-state chemistry at zeolites, zeolite films, and self-assembled monolayers, possibly opening new avenues of research and applications. Anticipated understandings of zeolite film growth may advance the use of nanoporous films as sensors and electrodes, and provide routes to prepare other technologically important oxide films. New physical chemistry laboratory experiments to be developed and implemented will revitalize the chemistry curriculum in the direction of nanoscale research, an important and innovative area of current chemical interest.