This project aims to synthesize and characterize novel transitiion metal pnictide and pnictide oxide compounds. The goals are threefold: to understand and improve on the colossal magnetoresisyance (CMR) effect found in materials such as the manganese containing compounds of the calcium-aluminum-antimony (Cal4AISbl I) structure type; to synthesize ternary transiton metal Zintl phases and study their magnetic and electronic properties; and to synthesize new layered pnictide oxides with particular emphasis on the copper and titanium containing compounds. Students will be trained in solid state chemical synthesis and characterization techniques. %%% It is expected that these new classes of compounds will exhibit interesting magnetic and superconducting behavior for possible use in devices. Examples of technological impact may include colossal magnetoresistance materials for magnetic read-head devices, and superconducting materials for electronics and communications. ***
