NSF Young Investigator: Surface Induced Dissociation of Molecular Ions at Self-Assembled Monolayers

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This National Science Foundation Young Investigator project is in the general area of analytical chemistry, with a specific focus on surface chemistry. During the five-year tenure of this award, Professor Hanley and his students will examine the reactions that occur when a high flux molecular ion beam impinges on a self-assembled monolayer. The fragments from this collision, when analyzed by mass spectrometry, yield valuable information about the structure of the parent ion. The state of the surface before and after the ion-surface collision will be probed using techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared reflection absorption, and thermal desorption, and these experiments will allow the mechanisms of the surface induced dissociation process to be investigated. The use of these molecular ion beams for surface lithography of nanostructures and for plasma polymerization chemistry will also be explored during the course of this research project. This project should provide important insights into the mechanisms of molecular fragmentation occuring when molecular ions collide with a well-characterized surface. This approach, when used in conjunction with mass spectrometric detection, allows structurally similar molecules to be distinguished. Additionally, this award will enable Professor Hanley to further his overall professional development as a researcher and educator at the University of Illinois at Chicago.