Boron is a special element that can form many different unique chemical bonds. This results in a multitude of boron materials which include metal borides and boron oxides. Boron compounds have numerous applications including as: hydrogen storage materials, superconductors, magnetic materials and catalysts. The wide range of metal borides with variable stoichiometries provides a unique opportunity for exploring the effect of dopants, and subsequently defects, on the physical and chemical properties of boron compounds for utilization in gas sorption in emerging technologies. In particular, hydrogen fuel cell technologies, require a safe hydrogen source along with purified air as an oxygen source. Boron compounds have potential for use as absorbents for the hydrogen and air pollutants. The addition of dopants to boron compounds has been shown to lead to modified materials with improved properties. Our recent research has shown that addition of dopants to magnesium boride leads to improved hydrogen absorption. It’s important to determine if the dopant effects on gas absorption transcends to other boron compounds and gases.

We plan to explore the syntheses and doping of boron compounds, especially metal borides and elucidate their gas sorption behavior. 

Students will be deeply involved in the achievement of the following tasks.

• Synthesize nanoscale metal borides incorporating varying amounts of dopants using both bottom up and top down techniques.

• Characterize materials using various spectroscopy and thermal analyses techniques.

• Evaluate gas absorption properties of the doped boron materials.

We anticipate students on this project to learn and gain skills related to:

• Developing new materials applicable to gas sorption

• Characterization and testing methods of materials

• Collaborating with faculty and students from both UH and UW

• Potential for summer research experience at UW.

•  Giving presentations at seminars and/or symposia.