LEAPS-MPS: Nano-Projectile Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for accurate molecular analysis at the nanoscale

该奖项的全部或部分资金来自《2021年美国救援计划法案》(公法117-2)。在这个由数学和物理科学局资助的项目中，Michael Eller教授和他在加利福尼亚州北岭的加州州立大学(CSUN)的学生们将开发新的分析工具，用于在接近5纳米的尺度上检查纳米颗粒和分子排列。以高空间分辨率检查这些材料将提供对发生在纳米尺度上的基本和材料过程的关键洞察。埃勒教授将通过两种侧重于提供实践经验的方法，扩大代表不足的少数群体对STEM研究的参与。(1)发展一门新的质谱学实验课程；及(2)为本地的K-12学生提供外展机会。Eller教授将开发以二次离子质谱仪为基础的纳米级分子分析的新方法。这项研究将研究使用大量的金团簇作为SIMS投射体来检查纳米粒子和分子组装，目标是在接近5纳米的尺度上阐明分子组织。该项目的结果将为纳米颗粒-表面与低维材料和纳米结构表面的相互作用提供新的见解。埃勒教授将制定一个相互关联的研究和教育计划，该计划将与CSUN鼓励来自代表性不足群体的学生积极参与并在STEM研究领域取得成功的机构目标相一致。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). In this project, funded by the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate and housed in the Chemistry Division, Professor Michael Eller and his students at California State University Northridge (CSUN) in Northridge, CA will develop new analytical tools for examining nanoparticles and molecular arrangements at scales approaching 5 nanometers. Examining these materials with high spatial resolution will provide critical insights into fundamental and materials processes occurring at the nanoscale. Professor Eller will broaden participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM research through two approaches focused on providing hands-on experiences. (1) Developing a new mass spectrometry laboratory course and (2) providing outreach opportunities to local K-12 students.Professor Eller will develop new analytical methods for nanoscale molecular analysis based on secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The research will investigate the use of massive gold clusters as SIMS projectiles to examine nanoparticles and molecular assemblies, with the goal of elucidating molecular organization at a scale approaching 5 nm. The results of the project will provide new insights into nanoparticle-surface interactions with low-dimensional materials and nanostructured surfaces. Professor Eller will develop an interconnected research and educational program which will work in concert with CSUN’s institutional goal of encouraging students from underrepresented groups to actively participate and succeed in STEM research fields.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.