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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

x-ray, powder-diffraction simulations, large-scale defect structure models, aluminosilicate zeolites

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Open-framework compounds, most notably the aluminosilicate zeolites, play a critical role in modern technology. Their robust crystalline structures contain large cavities and channels of molecular dimensions which make them useful as molecular sieves (desiccants, membrane filters, gas-separators), ion-exchangers (soaps, detergents, water softeners, radioactive waste sequestering agents), chemical catalysts (e.g. petroleum refinement), and nanomaterial growth templates. The many uses of open-framework materials arise from having size and shape-selective pore systems that determine which molecules can enter and what happens to them while inside. Once their structure-property relationships are well characterized, researchers commonly tune the useful properties of open-framework materials by modifying their atomic structures in a controlled way.

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