Purchase of an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer

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With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University will acquire an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the following: a) template-based method for preparing monodisperse metal nanoparticles for catalysts; b) spatially-resolved placement of cells on lithographically defined substrates; c) surface functionalization; d) hyperbranched grafting at surfaces using 'living' low temperature radical polymerization; e) 'smart' heterogeneous catalystsdesign, f) synthesis and characterization of molecular assemblies and polymeric molecule-based paramagnetic materials; g) analysis of interactions at interfaces; and h) studies of the nature of a surface and its impact on electrochemical properties of alloy electrodes. The X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) is used for chemical analysis. It irradiates a sample with a beam of monochromatic X-rays and the energies of the resulting photoelectrons are measured and related to specific elements. XPS often plays a crucial role in defining the system under study. The work to be carried out by these investigators represents a highly coherent attack on a range of issues at the forefront of materials chemistry.