Equipment is provided to develop research capability for two areas of study of the kinetics of fluid-solid interactions. One project is focused on the ionic mobilities and exchange properties of the family of beta-aluminas. Specific investigations have to do with proton conductivity for water electrolysis and with ion exchange for nuclear waste management. A second study examines the rates at which glasses are hydrated from vapor or aqueous solutions. The practical objectives of this study are also associated with disposal of hazardous material, since various glass forms have been proposed as containment matrices for high-level nuclear waste. These investigations both call for experimental determinations of ionic concentration and mobilities. The equipment consists of a frequency response analyzer, electro-chemical interface, impedence analyzer, and other components.
