Project Info
Solid phase epitaxy for germanium oxides
Megan E Holtz
mholtz@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
In this project, you will use a combination of thin film deposition and thermal oxidation to stabilize various polymorphs of germanium oxide. This project will involve selecting substrates, growth, and oxidation parameters for isolating single crystal rutile and quartz phases. The rutile form of this material will be investigated for catalysis applications - with its stability investigated for the harsh conditions of the oxygen evolution reaction. The quartz form of the material is interesting for ultrawide bandgap material applications with exceptional thermal conductivity.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Not applicable.
Primary Contacts:
Megan Holtz, mholtz@mines.edu | Dagny Sacksteder, dsacksteder@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The student should be familiar with crystal structures.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
3-5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Sputtering/evaporating thin film deposition, thermal oxidation, x-ray diffraction to analyze crystal structure, atomic force microscopy to investigate film smoothness.
MENTORING PLAN
I will meet with the student every other week.
Preferred Student Status
Sophomore
Junior