Blair Research GroupSynthesis of Inorganic Materials with an eye on applications in aerospace, optics and chemical feedstock. Examination of the kinetics and mechanism of solid-solid reactions. Development of Forensic analytical methods related to single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction.
Our research focuses on new methods of the rapid synthesis of inorganic materials, examination of the mechanism of compound formation, and identification using X-ray diffraction.
Current Studies:
• Determination of the kinetics and mechanism of alkali and alkaline earth carbide synthesis through high-energy ball milling.
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The rapid identification of pharmacologically active substances and their metabolites through microcrystal growth and single crystal X-ray diffraction is being pursued. This project is carried out through the National Center for Forensic Science in collaboration with the San Bernardino County (California) Sheriff. We also are searching for new crystallization agents to aid in the microcrystal formation of new pharmacological substances of interest to law enforcement. |
Powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction are analytical methods that are very important to our group.
The identification of new compounds and phases of materials generated from solid-solid reactions are best identified by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). We are also experienced in crystallite size and strain analysis of our materials through powder XRD. Our research focuses on new methods of the rapid synthesis of inorganic materials, examination of the mechanism of compound formation, and identification using X-ray diffraction.
Through single crystal XRD, we hope to establish a library of structural information to aide in the rapid identification of pharmacologically active substances and their metabolites.
• A search for new crystallization agents to aid in the microcrystal formation of new pharmacological substances of interest to law enforcement is on-going.