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

通过主要研究仪器（MRI）和化学研究仪器与设施（CRIF）项目的奖励，弗吉尼亚理工学院州立大学将获得一台x射线光电子能谱仪（XPS），用于能源相关的研究和教育。XPS定量测定材料中元素的元素/化学组成、实验式和电子状态。该分析技术的数据将用于探索新兴的能源技术，并显着提高对表面化学对功效的影响的理解。这将影响能源领域从储存到发电。该奖项还将加强学生在能源解决方案方面的教育和培训。一个多层次的教育计划将通过实验模块和暑期短期课程介绍XPS的基础知识及其应用，以解决当前的科学问题。它将在与雷德福大学和罗阿诺克学院的合作关系中使用。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)研究人工光合作用金属有机骨架薄膜；(c)由甲醇光催化制氢；(d)研究假电容器和固体氧化物燃料电池；(e)研究用于储能和转换的导电软材料；(f)开发柔性太阳能电池；(g)制备聚合物负载水还原光催化剂。

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.