MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer for the Development of Materials and Catalysts for Next Generation Energy Solutions

在主要研究仪器(MRI)和化学研究仪器和设施(CRIF)计划的授予下，弗吉尼亚理工学院和州立大学将获得一台用于能源相关研究和教育的X射线光电子能谱仪(XPS)。XPS定量确定材料中元素的元素/化学组成、经验式和电子状态。这项分析技术的数据将用于探索新兴的能源技术，并显著提高对表面化学对功效影响的理解。这将影响从存储到发电的能源场。该奖项还将加强对学生进行能源解决方案的教育和培训。一个多层次的教育计划将通过实验室模块和暑期短期课程介绍XPS的基本原理及其应用，以解决当前的科学问题。它将用于与拉德福德大学和罗阿诺克学院的合作关系中。该仪器将加强跨学科的研究，特别是在以下领域：(A)制备低成本、高效率的太阳能电池；(B)研究人造光合作用金属有机骨架薄膜；(C)以甲醇为光催化剂生产氢气；(D)研究伪电容器和固体氧化物燃料电池；(E)研究用于能量储存和转换的导电软材料；(F)开发柔性太阳能电池；(G)制备聚合物载体的减水光催化剂。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and the Chemical Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University will acquire an X-Ray Photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) for use in energy related research and education. XPS quantitatively determines the elemental/chemical composition, empirical formula, and electronic state of elements within materials. The data from this analytical technique will be used to explore emerging energy technology and significantly improve the understanding of the effect of surface chemistry on efficacy. This will impact the energy field from storage to generation. The award will also enhance the education and training students in energy solutions. A multi-level education plan will introduce the fundamentals of XPS and its application to solve current scientific problems through laboratory modules and a summer short-course. It will be used in a collaborative relationship with Radford University and Roanoke College. The instrumentation will enhance research across disciplines, especially in areas such as (a) preparing low cost, high efficiency solar cells; (b) studying artificial photosynthetic metal organic framework thin films; (c) producing hydrogen photocatalytically from methanol; (d) investigating pseudocapacitors and solid oxide fuel cells; (e) studying conducting soft materials for energy storage and conversion; (f) developing flexible solar cells; and (g) preparing polymer-supported water reduction photocatalysts.