Our Research
The Hodges Research Group is broadly interested in the synthesis and applications of new inorganic solids, with a particular emphasis on microporous oxides, metal chalcogenides, and multi-anion materials for energy-related applications including thermoelectrics and heterogeneous catalysis. Members of the group learn a variety of synthesis and characterization techniques, and also have opportunities to study the properties of newly discovered compounds. The research programs are designed to impart lab members with skillsets that will translate to a diverse range of career paths.
Microporous Oxides
Mixed-metal oxides and zeolitic materials with challenging combinations of elements using innovative synthesis.
Exploratory Synthesis
Exploratory synthesis of narrow gap semiconductors and multi-anion materials using flux growth methods.
Material Applications
Thermoelectrics and gas-phase heterogeneous catalysis with newly discovered materials.
Microporous Oxides
Mixed Metal Oxides
Coming Soon!​
S​tudents Working on this Project:
Related/Selected Publications​
1) Coming Soon!
Exploratory Synthesis
Metal Chalcogenides
We focus on the exploratory synthesis and crystal growth of novel metal chalcogenides using advanced solid-state synthesis techniques. We use synthetic predictability to design and target innovative mixed anion systems, aiming to uncover new materials with unique properties. We rigorously characterize these compounds to evaluate their chemical, physical, and electrical properties. Our research also delves into understanding synthesis/structure and structure/function relationships to see how these aspects influence material behavior. By combining our experimental work with computational modeling, in collaboration with other research groups, we strive to gain a comprehensive understanding of these novel materials and their potential applications.​
S​tudents Working on this Project:
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Current Collaborators​
1) Dr. Yi Zia, Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Portland State University
Related/Selected Publications​
1) Kanatzidis, M. G. Discovery-Synthesis, Design, and Prediction of Chalcogenide Phases. Inorg. Chem., 2017, 56, 3158–3173.
2) Hodges, J. M.; Xia, Y.; Malliakas, C. D.; Alexander, G. C. B.; Chan, M. K. Y.; Kanatzidis, M. G. Two-Dimensional CsAg5Te3–xSx Semiconductors: Multi-Anion Chalcogenides with Dynamic Disorder and Ultralow Thermal Conductivity. Chem. Mater., 2018, 30, 7245–7254.
3) Hodges, J. M.; Xia, Y.; Malliakas, C. D.; Slade, T. J.; Wolverton, C.; Kanatzidis, M. G. Mixed-Valent Copper Chalcogenides: Tuning Structures and Electronic Properties Using Multiple Anions. Chem. Mater., 2020, 32, 10146–10154.
Metallosilicates Crystal Growth
Contaminated water, especially with heavy metals, is a global environmental threat. Metallosilicates, like titanosilicate cation exchangers, show promise in selectively removing metal ions. However, analyzing their ion exchange selectivity requires advanced techniques. Flux crystal growth (FCG) offers a novel solution by enabling the production of high-quality single crystals, essential for in-depth studies. Using flux melts, allows controlled crystallization at lower temperatures, reducing defects and enhancing crystal quality. Additionally, growing single crystals through FCG facilitates precise characterization using single crystal X-ray diffraction, providing insights into cation-framework bonding interactions. This knowledge aids in designing targeted metallosilicates for efficient ion exchange capabilities.
S​tudents Working on this Project:
Related/Selected Publications​
1) Kanatzidis, M. G.; Pöttgen, R.; Jeitschko, W. The Metal Flux: A Preparative Tool for the Exploration of Intermetallic Compounds. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2005, 44, 6996–7023.
2) Bugaris, D. E.; zur Loye, H. Materials Discovery by Flux Crystal Growth: Quaternary and Higher Order Oxides. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2012, 51, 3780–3811.
3) Juillerat, C. A.; Klepov, V. V.; Morrison, G.; Pace, K. A.; zur Loye, H.-C. Flux Crystal Growth: A Versatile Technique to Reveal the Crystal Chemistry of Complex Uranium Oxides. Dalton Trans., 2019, 48, 3162–3181.
Material Applications
Thermoelectrics
More than two-thirds of global energy is lost as wasted heat. Thermoelectric generators can convert heat into electricity but suffer from low efficiency. We seek to creat, tailoring, and enhancement of thermoelectric materials to improve their efficiency in converting heat into electricity. Our work encompasses the synthesis of new efficient materials, doping and alloying to optimize electronic properties, and reducing thermal conductivity. We tailor electronic band structures and utilize advanced characterization techniques to understand and predict material properties. Ultimately, we strive to developing and understanding efficient thermoelectric materials for waste heat recovery, power generation, and cooling systems.​
S​tudents Working on this Project:
Current Collaborators​
1) Dr. Bed Poudel, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University
Related/Selected Publications​
1) Hodges, J. M.; Hao, S.; Grovogui, J. A.; Zhang, X.; Bailey, T. P.; Li, X.; Gan, Z.; Hu, Y.-Y.; Uher, C.; Dravid, V. P.; Wolverton, C.; Kanatzidis, M. G. Chemical Insights into PbSe–x%HgSe: High Power Factor and Improved Thermoelectric Performance by Alloying with Discordant Atoms. JACS, 2018, 140, 18115–18123.
2) Beretta, D.; Neophytou, N.; Hodges, J. M.; Kanatzidis, M. G.; Narducci, D.; Martin- Gonzalez, M.; Beekman, M.; Balke, B.; Cerretti, G.; Tremel, W.; Zevalkink, A.; Hofmann, A. I.; Müller, C.; Dörling, B.; Campoy-Quiles, M.; Caironi, M. Thermoelectrics: From History, a Window to the Future. Mater. Sci. Eng. R Rep., 2019, 138, 100501.
Future/Possible Directions
The Hodges Research Group is broadly interested in the synthesis and applications of new inorganic solids. Possible project ideas can be:
Polyoxometalates
Zeolitic Materials
Thin Films
