Solid state chemistry is an ever expanding field of chemistry.  Typical methods for the synthesis of solid state materials require specialized furnaces, controllers, and vessels in order to be able to conduct any experiments. The goal of this research project is to develop an education lab based on solid state chemistry and to provide the instructor with a catalog of different solid state recipes that can be completed in two four-hour lab periods, using mostly standard equipment. Besides the furnace, controllers, and vessels, the only other specialized piece of equipment needed is a vacuum line, which is used to seal the reaction vessels. The process for synthesis is fairly straightforward. First, the reaction vessels are made out of stock glass tubing, acetone, and a torch. Once the vessels are made they are loaded with the reagents. Finally, the reaction is sealed under vacuum, to remove any gaseous impurities, to yield the final reaction vessel. This vessel is loaded into the furnace and heated.  After the reaction period the samples are removed and the contents of the reaction are examined using an optical microscope. The final goal is to find a heating program and other experimental conditions that will produce large ( &gt; 0.5 mm) single crystals.       <br/>

Development of a solid state educational lab

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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