State-of-the-art all-in-one spectrometer for materials characterization and performance testing.

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New high-tech materials define the development of our civilization. The discovery of these materials drives forward the miniaturization of modern bendable and wearable electronics, leads to the creation of self-healing coatings for automotive and aircraft industries, to the development of more precise forensic methodologies, "green" energy-saving and energy-storing devices that help to eliminate pollution, etc. To transform challenges to breakthrough discoveries, we have to operate the matter at the molecular level that is possible via the comprehensive in-situ analysis of optical properties of the material during fabrication. We target to acquire the state-of-the-art all-in-one spectrometry system for characterization and performance testing of molecular and hybrid inorganic materials and thin films, biomaterials and protein (blood) stains/dyes. The requested system allows absorbance, transmittance, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, phosphorescence, lifetime and time-resolved measurements of liquids, solid samples, powders, gels, and thin films. The system will be integrated with electrochemistry equipment to allow spectroelectrochemistry and electroluminescence measurements. This system is absolutely crucial for research in the area of “smart” chromogenic materials, biomaterials, and materials for energy storage. In more detail, practical applications include but not limited to the development of modern energy-efficient monitors, displays and signage, molecular switches and modulators, "smart" boards and "smart" windows, supercapacitors that change their colour upon charging/discharging, and novel forensic tests for non-destructive and rapid analysis of crime scenes. The advanced spectrometer will be a valuable addition to the existing Materials Characterization Center (MCC) and will be operated under the umbrella of MCC to provide supreme hands-on HQP training, grant 24/7 accessibility of the equipment to internal and external academic or industrial users; as well as to ensure the best maintenance, timely repairs and future upgrades, and minimization/elimination of instrument's downtime. This RTI funded equipment will help to attract new collaborations and research partnerships and support R&D industries.