Research Projects
I. Gallium Oxide Nanostructures for Extreme Environment Applications
A wide range of sensors are required for a precise control of the advanced power generation systems. Nanotechnology-based sensors have the advantage of being small, highly surface-active and inexpensive. However, the choice of materials that can withstand the extreme environments in fossil energy systems is limited. High structural, mechanical and chemical stability makes Ga2O3 a promising candidate for developing such sensors. It is not explored, however, to the extent of current phase of sensor technology because the gas-composition sensitivity requires high-temperatures. Although the properties of Ga2O3 are promising for the desired high-temperature sensors in fossil energy systems, the technological challenge is processing and tuning the Ga2O3 nanostructures for application in combustion control. In addition, only the high-temperature, monoclinic (β) phase of Ga2O3 has the aforementioned advantages. The proposed project intends to work around this technological challenge and to develop β-Ga2O3 nanostructures. The project will specifically address the structure improvements at the nanoscale. Morphology/geometric uniformity, crystal structure and phase, microstructure quality (nano-grain or nano-particle distribution, boundaries and linear defect densities), doping profiles (point defects) and material composition will be addressed. In addition, fundamental sensor performance and its functionality under thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical conditions will be measured and correlated to the microstructure. The electronic conductivity and size-dependent surface reactivity of the nanostructures will be measured to derive the structure-property relationships. To learn more about this project.
II. High Entropy Alloys for Space Applications
III. Perovskite based oxygen sensors for automotive industry CTECH