Critical Acquisition of Modern, Functional Single-crystal X-ray Diffractometer Detector

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Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which literally provides a "ball-and-stick" picture of the solid-state structure of molecules, is perhaps the most critical characterization tool for inorganic chemists and a very valuable one for organic and materials chemists. The SFU Department of Chemistry has one (heavily oversubscribed) single-crystal X-ray diffractometer equipped with a 16-year old detector, which is no longer effectively functioning, and cannot be repaired since it is too obsolete to be supported by the manufacturer. As a result, routine use of this critical research infrastructure has been curtailed at SFU. Thus, this proposal seeks funding for the vital, urgent acquisition of a new, modern detector for SFU's single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, which will greatly impact the research programs of many researchers at SFU by rejuvenating vitally important routine access to this core infrastructure. In addition, the requested modern, next-generation detector is much faster and more sensitive than the original infrastructure. As a result, as well as restoring routine access, researchers will have the new ability to (1) make measurements on very small crystals that were previously unobtainable, thereby gaining new understanding of the structures and properties of their materials, and (2) will be able to make realtime, in situ measurements of solid-state structures that alter rapidly during a reaction or phase change, increasing understanding of how materials change their structures at the molecular level in response to stimuli or temperature/pressure changes. ******This acquisition will support a wide range of research programs in SFU's chemistry department, including metal-coordination polymers for materials applications such as toxic gas sensors and optical components (Leznoff), perovskite crystals for sensors, actuators, sonar and non-volatile memory devices (Ye), new anion-transport membranes for electrochemical energy conversion, e.g. in fuel cells (Holdcroft), bimetallic oxidation catalysts for a range of molecular transformations and MOF-based sensors for volatile organic compounds (Storr), biologically activated metal complexes (Walsby) and medicinally important organic molecules (Britton). Each of these research areas critically require routine access to X-ray structure determinations and will greatly benefit from the new ability to obtain structures from small, weakly diffracting crystals and watch rapid structural changes in situ. ******A substantial portion of the researchers in the SFU Department of Chemistry will be impacted by this upgrade: there are over 50 researchers in the groups of the co-applicants, who routinely require access to the proposed state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction system. Student researchers will receive valuable hands-on training in determining molecular structures using single-crystal (and where appropriate, powder) X-ray diffraction, as well as extensive training in the safe use of X-ray infrastructure.**