Acquisition of an ESR Spectrometer for Chemistry Education and Research

在重大研究仪器(MRI)计划的支持下，新墨西哥州采矿与技术学院的化学系将获得一台电子自旋共振(ESR)光谱仪。来自物理、化学、地球和环境科学系的教授将利用这台ESR仪器开展他们的研究，包括碳纳米管的吸附研究；与稀燃发动机相关的原位多相催化研究；沸石在地下水修复中的应用；以及由于化学引入缺陷而改变单壁碳纳米管(SWNT)的电子性质。电子自旋共振(ESR)光谱仪特别有价值，因为它提供了关于短寿命自由基的信息。自由基在肿瘤生长的启动中起着重要作用，是许多重要化学反应的中间产物。这些研究应该对环境领域产生重大影响，因为它们可能导致减少汽车排放和更清洁的地下水。此外，ESR仪器将用于化学系和物理系的各种本科实验室课程。

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology will acquire an Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectrometer. Faculty from the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Earth and Environmental Sciences will use this ESR instrument to carry out their research, including adsorption studies on carbon nanotubes; in situ heterogeneous catalysis investigations related to lean-burn engines; the application of zeolites in ground-water remediation; and the modification of the electronic properties of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) due to chemical introduction of defects. An electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer is especially valuable as it provides information on short-lived free radicals. Free radicals play a major role in the initiation of tumor growth and are intermediates in many important chemical reactions. These studies should have a strong impact in the environmental arena, as they may lead to a reduction in automotive emissions and cleaner groundwater. In addition, the ESR instrument will be used in a variety of undergraduate laboratory courses in the Chemistry and Physics departments.