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)赠款将支持购买X射线衍射系统，用于多个学科的本科生教育和材料表征研究，包括密歇根州弗林特凯特琳大学的物理、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)用于生物医学应用的La(1-x)SrxMnO3和Fe3O4纳米颗粒的调查和表征，b)用大气等离子体法合成的碳纳米管(CNT)的表征，c)含有碳纳米管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)用于沼气分离膜的复合材料的表征，以及f)固体氧化物燃料电池陶瓷材料的研究和表征。这项提案的调查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、地区和国家会议上发表演讲。因此，该仪器将帮助有才华的学生进行研究探索。此外，四个系的十二多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：这笔主要研究仪器(MRI)赠款将支持在密歇根州弗林特的凯特琳大学购买X射线衍射(XRD)系统，用于材料表征的多个学科的本科教育和研究，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的原创性贡献方面发挥重要作用，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。它还将为凯特琳现有的材料表征技术增加一个额外的维度，其中包括用于表征材料的环境扫描显微镜、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紧密地整合到一个全面的教育模式中。此外，该系统将有助于在凯特琳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。该奖项将帮助招收和留住学生，包括代表不足的群体进入科学和工程职业生涯，通过凯特琳大学全国认可的外展和招生计划，利用XRD激发兴趣。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.