MRI: Acquisition of an X-Ray Diffractometer for Undergraduate Education and Research in Materials Characterization

技术描述：这项主要研究仪器（MRI）拨款将支持购买x射线衍射系统，用于密歇根州弗林特凯特林大学（Kettering University）跨学科的本科教育和材料表征研究，包括物理、化学、化学工程、机械工程和工业工程。该奖项将加强各个层次的跨学科研究和培训，特别是在以下领域：a)用于生物医学应用的La（1-x)SrxMnO3和氧化铁（Fe3O4）纳米颗粒的研究和表征，b）常压等离子体法合成碳纳米管（CNTs）的表征，c)含碳纳米管的聚合物基复合材料的表征，d)常压等离子体沉积薄膜的表征，e)沼气分离膜复合材料的表征。固体氧化物燃料电池陶瓷材料的研究与表征。该提案的研究人员指导了一些本科生的研究工作；他们的调查结果通常发表在同行评议的期刊上。这些学生还在地方、区域和国家会议上做报告。因此，该仪器将有助于有才华的学生进行研究探索。此外，四个系的超过十二门课程将受益于使用x射线衍射仪器的新实验室实验和教学辅助的发展。非技术描述：这项主要研究仪器（MRI）拨款将支持购买x射线衍射（XRD）系统，用于密歇根州弗林特凯特林大学（Kettering University）跨学科的本科教育和材料表征研究，包括物理、化学、化学工程、机械工程和工业工程。该奖项将在被确定为具有广泛社会影响的国家重大挑战领域的研究中发挥主要作用，这些领域涉及新材料、可再生能源生产和储存以及用于生物医学应用的纳米技术。它还将为凯特林现有的材料表征技术增加一个额外的维度，其中包括环境扫描显微镜、拉曼光谱仪和表征材料的光致发光仪器。x射线衍射系统将促进校内和校外以合作工作为媒介的教育更强地融合为一种全人教育模式。此外，该系统将有助于在凯特林大学及其工业合作伙伴之间建立更强大的研究和教育联系。该奖项将有助于招募和留住学生，包括代表性不足的群体，通过使用XRD在凯特林大学通过全国认可的推广和招聘计划激发学生的兴趣，从而进入科学和工程领域。该仪器还将用于高中和初中教师的专业发展。

Technical Descrition:This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant will support acquisition of a X-Ray diffraction system for undergraduate education and research in materials characterization across multiple disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering at Kettering University, Flint, Michigan The award will enhance cross-disciplinary research and training at all levels, especially in areas such as, a)investigation and characterization of La(1-x)SrxMnO3 and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for biomedical applications, b) characterization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized by atmospheric plasma method, c) characterization of polymer based composite materials incorporating CNTs, d) characterization of atmospheric plasma deposited thin films, e) characterization of composite materials for biogas separation membranes, and f) investigation and characterization of ceramic materials for solid oxide fuel cells. The investigators of this proposal mentor a number of undergraduate students in their research efforts; the results of their investigation are usually published in peer reviewed journals. These students also make presentations at the local, regional, and national meetings. Thus, the instrument will help talented students in their research exploration. In addition, more than twelve courses across four departments will be benefited by the development of new laboratory experiments and teaching aid that will use X-Ray diffraction instrument. Non-technical Description:This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant will support acquisition of a X-Ray diffraction (XRD)system for undergraduate education and research in materials characterization across multiple disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering at Kettering University, Flint, Michigan. The award will play a major role in original contributions to research in the areas that are identified as national grand challenges with broad societal impact in technologies involving novel materials, renewable energy production and storage, and nanotechnology for biomedical applications. It will also add an extra dimension to the existing materials characterization techniques at Kettering, which include an environmental scanning microscope, Raman spectrometer, and photoluminescence instrument for characterizing materials. The X-Ray diffraction system will facilitate stronger integration of the on-campus and off-campus co-op-work mediated education into a holistic education model. In addition, the system will help develop a stronger research and education liaison between Kettering University and its industrial partners. The award will help with recruitment and retention of students, including under-represented groups into careers in science and engineering by using the XRD to spark interest through nationally recognized outreach and recruitment programs at Kettering University. The instrument will also be used for professional development for high school and middle schools teachers.