Jay A. Switzer

Biography

"Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, March 1979. Research Advisor: Professor John F. Endicott M.A. Inorganic Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, December 1975. B.S. Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1973."

Research Interest

Our research is at the interface between chemistry and materials science. We use electrodeposition to produce ordered nanostructures such as superlattices of metal oxide semiconductors. The superlattices have small dimensions, and high structural perfection. We also are producing single crystal films using epitaxial electrodeposition. Our emphasis has been on metal oxide semiconductors with interesting optical, electrical, or magnetic properties. The nanoscale materials we produce have quantum-confined properties which are a function of the physical dimensions of the material. We have recently become interested in nanoscale spintronic materials and devices. Students in the group become experienced in electrochemistry, scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. They are well prepared for academic or industrial careers in electrochemistry, inorganic materials chemistry, or materials science.