THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF CONDENSED PHASES

Current research includes studies of the thermodynamic properties of both pure materials and solutions, with an emphasis on determining heat capacities of pure materials, from near 3-4 K to 330 K, in order to obtain the molar entropy of the substance.  Combining the determined entropy with the enthalpy of combustion with either fluorine or oxygen allows us to determine the Gibbs energy of formation of the material.  We can then use this formation to determine the extent of reactions with other materials.  Additional research areas include (1) the determination of solution properties for a wide range of temperatures and pressures, with a focus on the super-cooled region for aqueous solutions; (2) studies of high-temperature solution properties; and (3) correlation of the thermodynamic properties of pure substances and aqueous electrolyte solutions.