EPSRC Capital Award for Core Equipment 2020/21

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The proposal requests items of equipment that will support researchers in advanced materials science in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Glasgow. We are requesting the following items:(i) An X-ray diffractometer. This machine will allow us to examine the structures of a range of materials, from gels, to plastic films, to catalytic solids. It is a vital component of our analytical strategy, and will be a cornerstone of our facilities.(ii) A thermogravimetric analyser. This allows us to understand the stability of materials to temperature, which is vital if they are to be used in hot environments (e.g. components of car exhausts).(iii) A differential scanning calorimeter. This is related to the thermogravimetric analyser but gives information on the energy released or taken in during temperature-related changes in materials, which gives a wealth of information on how materials behave (e.g. do batteries change structure when charging).(iv) An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. This machine allows us to quantitatively analyse the elemental composition of a range of materials. As such, we can determine, with accuracy in the parts per billion range, the accurate elemental composition of materials (e.g. how much precious metal is in a catalyst system) or the level of metal-based pollution in our water ecosystem.(v) An upgrade package for our Raman spectrometer. This technique gives information on chemical bonding in materials - our upgrade will allow us to examine materials such as battery electrodes and catalysts, as well as state-of-the-art sensing devices, in more detail and with greater resolution.These facilities will support existing research in the University of Glasgow, in key strategic areas which attract significant internal and external investment, including development of new batteries, solar cell devices, automotive catalytic converters, healthcare devices, and robotics. As such, the research that these items will support has significant academic, commercial, and scientific impact, and this proposal will future-proof vital capabilities while acting as a springboard for future investment.