The major focus of this research is a detailed investigation of the atomic and electronic structures of oriented, single crystal surfaces of several geochemically and environmentally important oxide minerals (alpha-SiO2, alpha- Al2O3, and alpha-Fe2O3). The samples will be studied before and after reaction with water and electrolyte solutions by surface-sensitive synchrotron radiation methods including X- Ray Standing Waves, Surface Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure, and core level photemission techniques. The results of these studies will ultimately find application in the environmental geochemistry field in understanding how water and aqueous metal ions interact with mineral surfaces. A second focus of this project is the continuation of a high temperature x-ray absorption spectroscopy study of silicate liquids. Data collected on Ni2+ and Ge in Ni-germanate liquids and on Ni in silicate liquids will be used to obtain quantitative information on the local environment of these cations as a function of temperature.
