This award will support collaborative research in solid state chemistry between Dr. Juana Acrivos, San Jose State Univesity and Dr. Y. W. Liang, Director, IRC Laboratory for Supercon- ductivity, Cambridge University, U.K. The project involves the investigation of the effects that the composition (as varied by intercalation) has on the properties of low dimensional solids. The objective of the research is to prepare new materials with special properties. The products obtained by interca- lation reactions are usually materials containing the same element with multiple valence; this property is evident in electron spin resonance (ESR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements and electronic and vibrational spectra. For superconductors, the investigators have developed a new technique of rf power dissipation measurements. The systems under investigation include metal in ammonia solutions near the metal to insulator transition and compounds containing the same element in at least two different valence states. Of great interest today are the low dimensional superconducting solids containing the same element in multiple valence states, e.g., intercalated layer materials where there is partial charge transfer from the host to the adduct, one dimensional organic conductors and ceramic high temperature superconductors. All these materials are important in the elucidation of the role that structure plays on oxidation-reduction mechanisms. These materials are used for developing high duty batteries, catalysts, solid lubricants and new types of conductors. The project will benefit from the complementary expertise of the two investigators and well as their past history of fruitful collaboration. Dr. Acrivos is considered one of the world leaders in research on the chemistry and electronic properties of low-dimensional solids.
