Telephone: (607)-777-2769

e-mail :ckanyi1@binghamton.edu

My research involves the donor-acceptor interaction between zeolites and guest molecules. Zeolites are used as electron donors to form otherwise unstable anion radicals stabilized by the zeolite cages. In the past this has been accomplished by either (i) thermal treatment of zeolite or (ii) irradiation (gamma- or X-rays) of zeolites. Both methods involves electron transfer from the zeolite framework thus affecting its properties. In this project, an external source of electrons is employed. It involves activation of the zeolite using sodium azide to form ionic clusters, such as Na43+ and Na65+ (in NaY and NaX respectively), which are stabilized by the zeolite cages. Upon adsorption of guest molecule, an electron may be transferred completely to form an anion radical or an incomplete transfer may occur in which a charge-transfer complex is formed. The presence and location of the ion cluster, the anion radical, or the charge-transfer complex in the zeolite can be studied using electron paramagnetic resonance among other techniques, such as uv-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.