Using Solid-State NMR to Determine Coordination Environment in Alumina (Al2O3) Thin Films [a collaboration with the S. E. Hayes (WUSTL), S. W. Boettcher (UO), D. A. Keszler (OSU) groups]
Amorphous metal oxide thin films are notoriously difficult to characterize because of their small mass and lack of long-range order. Understanding the various processes of film formation is an even more difficult task. Solid-state NMR (ssNMR), which has recently developed as a powerful new method for investigating the chemical environment of solid-state materials, provides an effective probe for understanding the evolution of these important materials. In collaboration with the Hayes, Boettcher, and Keszler groups, we are investigating the changes in coordination environment for Al2O3 films at different stages of the film evolution process, and a manuscript is currently in progress.