MRI/RUI Replacement and Up Scaling of a GC-MS to Enhance Faculty & Undergraduate Research and Chemistry Education at Augustana College

从主要研究仪器（MRI）计划的这一奖项，在奥古斯塔纳学院化学系将获得气相色谱质谱仪（GC/MS）。GC/MS将用于识别和量化从衬底表面反应的分解产物的纳米微晶MgO和氧化铝。 这些高表面积的纳米晶金属氧化物在化学战剂的解毒方面显示出了希望。 其他用户将在附近的超级基金清理现场测量铅和多环芳烃的浓度。 采用GC/MS分析方法对一系列手性螺环芳香化合物的反应过程进行监测。 最后，直接探针质谱将使质谱表征的非挥发性，高分子量的液晶。气相色谱质谱检测（GC/MS）是一个非常强大的技术，用于分离和分析复杂的混合物。这些研究将在从环境科学到纳米技术的许多领域产生巨大影响。 液晶的研究可能会导致发展的电光开关，压电和热电器件和非线性光学除了液晶显示器。 此外，本科生将在奥古斯塔纳学院的一些新开发的课程的实践经验。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Augustana College will acquire a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS). GC/MS will be used to identify and quantify decomposition products from substrate surface reactions on nanocrystalling MGO and aluminum oxide. These high surface area nanocrystalline metal oxides have shown promise at detoxifying chemical warfare agents. Other users will measure the concentrations of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a nearby superfund cleanup site. GC/MS analysis will be used to monitor the reaction progress of a series of chiral spiro-aromatic compounds. Finally, direct probe MS will enable mass spectroscopic characterization of nonvolatile, higher molecular weight liquid crystals.Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. These studies will have a tremendous impact in a number of fields, ranging from environmental sciences, to nanotechnology. The liquid crystal studies may lead to the development of electrooptical switches, piezo- and pyroelectric devices and nonlinear optics in addition to liquid crystal displays. In addition, undergraduates will have hands-on experience in a number of newly developed courses at Augustana College.