Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Electronic Materials

Oxide Ion Conduction Mechanisms in Bismuth Perovskites 

Dr. Alisa Paterson aims to understand the mechanisms underpinning ionic conduction in bismuth perovskite materials such as sodium bismuth titanate. Using X-ray and neutron diffraction and total scattering as tools, she has been fitting data to determine the crystallographic structure of these materials as a function of temperature. 

This work will reveal the unique structural distortions and oxygen vacancies that enable the high oxygen conductivities in these bismuth perovskites and will help guide the development of materials for emerging energy applications, such as intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. 

Structure and property relationships in lead-free piezoelectric solid solution (x)NaNbO₃ – (1-x)BaZrO₃

Lead Researcher: Tom Rowe

Piezoelectric materials are integral in the manufacturing of sensors, actuators, power  sources, touchscreens, and almost any electronic device that responds to touch. The most common piezoelectric on the market is Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT), but with increased knowledge of lead toxicity a major thrust has been made into synthesizing and characterizing new lead-free alternatives. Thus, Tom Rowe has been working on completely elucidating the structure and property relationships in lead-free piezoelectric materials.   

Structure-Property Relationships in Novel Calcium Tin Gallate Garnets and Bismuth Pyrochlores.

Lead Researcher: Bryan Zanca

Bryan’s research is focused on exploring new materials for oxide ion conductivity. There are many engineering issues that have become apparent in the process of utilizing current materials for device fabrication. This means that new crystal classes and elemental compositions need to be explored to discover the next generation of materials that will make this technology viable. Currently, Bryan is exploring the pyrochlore and Garnet crystal classes for new solid electrolytes. The pyrochlore crystal class shares many similarities with the fluorite crystal class which has been well explored. The pyrochlore structure already has a few examples of oxide ion conductors making it an excellent place to explore. The Garnet structure has not previously displayed oxide ion conductivity but due to certain structural characteristics it is highly probable.