Alexandra Navrotsky, Thermochemistry Facility and NEAT ORU, UC Davis, Davis CA 95616
anavrotsky@ucdavis.edu
Current interest in nanotechnology has made earth scientists realize the importance of nanoparticles and nanoscale phenomena in geologic and environmental The Thermochemistry Facility is investigating the energetics of materials at the nanoscale, with interplay between polymorphism and surface energy. Examples of titania, zirconia, and zeolites will be presented. We are also investigating the role of organic molecules in the templating and synthesis of porous materials. In situ synthesis calorimetry in an aqueous medium from room temperature to 200 deg C, coupled with structural and spectroscopic studies of samples quenched from temperatures at which calorimetric peaks occur, provides new detail of the uptake/release of organics and the growth of crystals. Complex interplay of enthalpic and entropic factors in inferred.