9805719 DiSalvo The objective of this research is to explore the synthesis of new solid state nitrides, their crystal structure and properties. Since a number of binary nitrides have considerable technological utility as for example, coatings, ceramics, and superconductors, we propose to study more complex nitrides that may lead to enhanced or new properties. Our approaches include the use of electropositive metals to stabilize a ternary phase and of sodium flux to grow small crystals of some compounds. We will also expand our synthetic methods to the use of metallic fluxes that are more generally useful than sodium, specifically gallium, magnesium, and zinc. The structures and properties of these materials will be compared to related compounds such as oxides, sulfides or phosphides. %%% Binary Nitrides, such as Silicon Nitride, Aluminum Nitride, Titanium Nitride, and Gallium Nitride have many technological uses as solid state lasers, hard coatings, and high temperature ceramics. Yet more complex nitrides have not been prepared or studied. This research will focus on establishing the methods of preparing such materials and on their crystal structures and properties. ***
