The Materials Chemical Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is involved in multidisciplinary research on diverse organic and inorganic materials. Our research combines synthetic chemistry with a wide range of characterization techniques. In polymer science, our efforts are primarily focused on the synthesis of nanostructured block copolymers for a variety of applications. These materials are studied using numerous techniques including thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, small angle x-ray and neutron scattering, and light scattering. In addition, the group uses molecular dynamics and other computational techniques to aid in the interpretation of our experimental results. Our work in inorganic thin films is focused on epitaxial growth of oxides from solution. Classes of materials under study include high temperature superconductors and electro-optic perovskites. Methods of characterization include x-ray diffraction, surface probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Our work in nanoparticles is focused on oxide materials with interesting optical, magnetic, or catalytic properties, and metallic particles for electronic and catalytic applications. Finally, the group is involved in the study of the interfacial chemistry and physics of fluids and polymer containing fluids using rheological techniques, scattering techniques, molecular simulation, and statistical mechanics.

For more information, contact Dave Beach at (865) 574-5024 or beachdb@ornl.gov.

                Provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Chemical Sciences Division          
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