This Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of electrosynthesis of materials. During the tenure of this three-year continuing grant, Professor Norton and his undergraduate research students will investigate chemical and structural limitations of superconducting bismuthate materials. An electrochemical growth method will be employed to produce superconducting crystals with various compositions and the structures of these crystals will be mapped using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), x-ray diffraction, and related structural probes. Additionally, these materials will be characterized chemically and magnetically. Optimum crystals will be selected and utilized in a number of physical studies directed toward a basic understanding of oxide superconductor behavior. %%% This project will contribute to an enhanced understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationships of these technologically important materials. Additionally, the research experience gained by participating undergraduate students will contribute substantively to the development of the infrastructure of this interdisciplinary area of the chemical sciences.
