This project will focus on the ways that shape and size of small crystals affect the surface chemistry and consolidation of nanocrystals of certain ionic, inorganic materials. A study of synthetic methods that yield nanocrystals with unusual morphologies, and how these morphologies affect intrinsic surface adsorption properties and consolidation properties, will be carried out. In addition to adsorption studies, chemical reactivity studies will be obtained for selected nano- and microcrystals to compare catalytic processes such as methanol synthesis from carbon dioxide and hydrogen over magnesium oxide, alcohol dehydrogenation over calcium oxide, and selective hydrogenation of dienes over magnesium oxide.
The results of this work will result in new synthetic approaches to the discovery and production of moderate to large quantities of broad, new classes of porous, inorganic adsorbants and catalysts. The control of pore size and pore volume in the consolidated materials will be useful in gas separation by diffusion control, and in the important areas of catalysis. These are important areas for training of students since they are priority areas within industry that are highly relevant to economic growth that will provide excellent job opportunities.