Michael Pravica
University of Nevada, USA
Title: Synthesis of novel materials via hard x-ray photochemistry
Biography
Biography: Michael Pravica
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: By harnessing the highly energetic, highly focused, and highly penetrating properties of synchrotron hard x-rays (>7keV) to drive decomposition reactions (e.g. KClO4 +hv -> KCl +2O2 [1]), we have enabled acatalytic routes of chemical synthesis of novel materials under extreme or isolated conditions with little introduction of heat. In this talk, I will showcase recent developments in by discussing three studies that showcase useful hard x-ray photochemistry [1-5]: 1. Probable synthesis of CsF2 and CsF3 at high pressure via x-ray irradiation of a mixture of CsF and KBF4 [2]. Here, the KBF4 is used as a source of molecular fluorine [3]. 2. Synthesis and ambient recovery of stable doped polymeric carbon monoxide (doped poly-CO) via irradiation of SrC2O4 pressurized to 7 GPa [4]. 3. Successful hydrogenation and oxygenation of WO3 and intercalation of oxygen into the WO3 lattice in separate experiments via irradiation of selected mixtures of WO3 with NH3BH3 and KClO4, respectively, demonstrating a novel means to dope semiconductors with the potential of creating photocells that are more resonant with sunlight [5].