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

技术描述：该主要研究仪器（MRI）补助金将支持密歇根州弗林特市凯特林大学（Kettering University，Flint，Michigan）购买用于本科教育和材料表征研究的X射线衍射系统，这些学科包括物理，化学，化学工程，机械工程和工业工程。该奖项将加强各级跨学科研究和培训，特别是在以下领域：a）La（1-x）SrxMnO 3和氧化铁（Fe 3 O 4）纳米颗粒的研究和表征，用于生物医学应用，B）通过大气等离子体方法合成的碳纳米管（CNT）表征，c）结合CNT的聚合物基复合材料的表征，d）大气等离子体沉积薄膜的表征，e）用于生物气分离膜的复合材料的表征，和f）用于固体氧化物燃料电池的陶瓷材料的研究和表征。 该提案的调查人员指导一些本科生进行研究工作;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演讲。因此，该仪器将帮助有才华的学生在他们的研究探索。 此外，四个部门的12门课程将受益于使用X射线衍射仪的新实验室实验和教具的开发。非技术描述：该主要研究仪器（MRI）补助金将支持在密歇根州弗林特的凯特林大学（Kettering University）购买用于本科教育和材料表征研究的X射线衍射（XRD）系统，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国家重大挑战的领域的研究中发挥重要作用，这些挑战在涉及新材料，可再生能源生产和储存以及生物医学应用纳米技术的技术中具有广泛的社会影响。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，这些技术包括环境扫描显微镜、拉曼光谱仪和光致发光仪器。 X射线衍射系统将促进校内和校外合作教育更好地整合到整体教育模式中。 此外，该系统还将有助于凯特林大学与其工业合作伙伴之间建立更强有力的研究和教育联系。 该奖项将有助于招聘和留住学生，包括代表性不足的群体进入科学和工程职业生涯，通过使用XRD激发兴趣，通过国家认可的推广和招聘计划在凯特林大学。 该工具还将用于高中和中学教师的专业发展。

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.