1. Ion Transport in Beta-Gallia Rutile Intergrowths Doreen Edwards, Alfred University, DMR-0093690
Beta-gallia-rutile (BGR) intergrowths possess 1-D tunnels which are suitable hosts for small-to-medium sized cations, making them attractive materials for electrochemical devices such as batteries and sensors. In addition to investigating phase stability and ion transport in bulk polycrystalline materials, we are studying the formation of intersecting rows of BGR tunnels on the surface of single crystal rutile. We have shown that DNA molecules preferentially attach along the rows of tunnels in the presence of certain cations, which are believed act as electrostatic bridges between the tunnel sites and the DNA molecule. This system provides an opportunity to create nanostructures and well-defined patterns of DNA on the surface, which could lead to new molecular electronic devices and biochemical sensors.
row of tunnels
DNA
rows of
tunnels
DNA

2. Ion Transport in Beta-Gallia Rutile Intergrowths Doreen Edwards, Alfred University, DMR-0093690
Education and Outreach: Two graduate students and three undergraduate students participated in this project over the past year. In addition to conducting research, we have been active in outreach and education. Graduate student Jake Amoroso (right) demonstrated glass melting to high-school juniors interested in science and engineering careers.
Graduate student Nathan Empie (left) used impedance spectroscopy to show high-school students that a material’s electrical properties are related to its microstructure.
The PI developed a new undergraduate laboratory course titled “Electrical Properties of Materials” which emphasized working in teams to solve open-ended problems.