MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) for Research and Education at VCU

弗吉尼亚联邦大学化学系将从主要研究仪器(MRI)计划获得一台具有离子溅射系统和直接成像能力的X射线光电子能谱仪(XPS)。即将开展的研究将扩大对纳米颗粒和薄膜表面材料和生物医学应用的理解。用于磁共振成像的新型磁性材料的合成和表面催化反应的研究是纳米材料开发的两个领域。聚合物薄膜、溶胶-凝胶法制备的杂化材料和塑料表面的薄膜改性是与薄膜相关的研究的补充领域，将被研究。X射线光电子能谱仪探测材料的表面组成和化学元素的氧化状态。成像分辨率约为0.1微米。这使得研究人员能够将化学和物理性质与化学成分联系起来。来自弗吉尼亚联邦大学、弗吉尼亚州立大学和里士满大学的本科生和研究生将在他们的研究中使用该仪器。潜在的长期影响包括开发用于药物输送机制的新材料的可能性，能够实时检测病原体的生物传感器，以及可以显著改善工作场所氛围和员工健康的催化剂。

The Department of Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University will acquire an x-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) with an ion sputtering system and direct imaging capabilities with this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. The research to be undertaken will expand the understanding of nanoparticle and film surfaces with both materials and biomedical applications. The synthesis of new magnetic materials for MRI applications and the study of surface-catalyzed reactions are two areas of nanomaterial development that will be undertaken. The determination of the biocidal activity of polymer films, hybrid materials prepared via sol-gel methods, and thin film modification of plastic surfaces are complementary areas of film-related research that will be investigated.An X-ray photoelectron spectrometer probes the surface composition and the oxidation state of chemical elements in materials. The imaging resolution will be approximately 0.1 micrometers. This allows researchers to correlate chemical and physical properties with chemical composition. Undergraduate and graduate students from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University and the University of Richmond will use the instrument in their research. Potential long-range impact consists of the possibility of developing new materials for drug delivery mechanisms, biosensors which are capable of real time detection of pathogens, and catalysts which can dramatically improve workplace atmospheres and employee health.