The Giapis Research Group
California Institute of Technology
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Dynamics at Surfaces

A unique UHV scattering apparatus, coupled to an ion beam-line, is employed to study surface collisions of generic ions at hyperthermal energies (20eV - 300eV). A plasma reactor is used to generate the atomic or molecular ions at an externally-adjustable creation potential, which are then extracted, collimated, and launched into the ion beam line, where they undergo magnetic mass filtering to produce isotopically pure beams. The ions are delivered at high fluxes (~1 monolayer/s) to a grounded target, where they interact with adsorbates. All products are detected, mass-analyzed using a mass-spectrometer and energy-resolved using a homebuilt sector energy analyzer.

Topics of current study include: Eley-Rideal reactions, charge exchange, energy transfer, collisional excitations, and electronic promotions.

Applications: Plasma processing, Astrochemistry

To find out more about this work contact Yunxi Yao

Water within a carbon nanotube Nanoscale Confinement of Materials

When materials are place in nanoscale confinement, atom packing constraints may influence phase transitions and other properties with significant deviations from the bulk. Simulations in this area have been extensive, but the experimental data has lagged behind. We are investigating new ways of introducing liquids into nano pores especially in non-wetting situations, and worry about how to measure flows and various properties of the liquids in the confined geometries.

Topics of current study include: nanofluidics, liquid-solid phase transitions in nano pores, wall-surface effects in ionic transport.

Applications: Desalination, Fuel Cells, Batteries

To find out more about this work contact Ben Kanevsky

Scalable Fuel Cell Electrode Production

Fuel cells are the most efficient technology available today for the conversion of chemical energy into electricity. In particular, solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) offer unique possibilities as a result of their intermediate operating temperature, 230–250 °C. Despite recent progress, overpotentials at the electrodes of SAFCs remain high. We seek new ways to engineer improved electrodes which can be deposited in a single step over large areas for scalable manufacturing.

Topics of current study include: multi-nozzle electrospraying, needle-less electrospinning.

Applications: Fuel Cells, Nano-manufacturing

To find out more about this work contact Norbert Radacsi

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Last Updated 4/14/2016