Functional Material Synthesis and Crystal Growth
Research synthesizes metal/nitride nanomaterials, ALD precursors, and carbon/grey tin compounds for various applications, using advanced facilities for analysis and characterization.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $99,200 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available. Typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory focused on synthesis and growth of metal and metal nitride nanomaterials for catalysis, energetics, and optical applications using advanced synthesis and characterization facilities.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a recent doctoral degree; requires contacting a research adviser prior to application.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC, focuses on the synthesis and crystal growth of functional materials, specifically metal and metal nitride nanoparticles, nanowires, and clusters. Research areas include catalysis, energetic materials, optical applications, atomic layer deposition (ALD) and atomic layer etching (ALE) precursors for low-temperature growth of oxides and nitrides, carbon nitride-based ionic conductors, and grey tin nanoclusters.
Current nanoparticle research emphasizes aluminum, boron, titanium nitride (TiN), early transition metal nitrides, and conductive metal nanowires. The program also synthesizes nanomaterials of reactive dense metals with high volumetric heats of combustion such as hafnium.
The NRL provides extensive state-of-the-art facilities for synthesis and characterization, including:
- High vacuum lines and inert atmosphere dryboxes (argon recirculating and nitrogen flow)
- Glassware for inert atmosphere synthesis
- Hydrogen absorption measurement apparatus
- Leco hydrothermal system, autoclaves, and pressure vessels for hydrothermal, solvothermal, and high-pressure synthesis
- Tube furnaces capable of up to 1500°C
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers (300 MHz and 500 MHz with MAS and liquids capability)
- Infrared spectrometer, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy
- Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC)
- Various optical spectrometers
- Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
- Network analyzer for dielectric measurements and high voltage apparatus for breakdown strength
- Access to SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers in other NRL divisions
- High pressure TGA and NMR spectroscopy under gas pressure capabilities
Keywords associated with this research include reactive metals, energetic materials, hydrogen storage, superconductors, clusters, nanofilaments, carbon dioxide, ammonothermal synthesis, and nanoparticles.
