Acquisition of a High Field (W-Band) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometer for Chemistry and Physics at The University of Alabama

University Of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa AL

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa will acquire a High Field (W-Band) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer. Among the research programs in which EPR spectroscopy will play a vital role are: a) the study of carotenoids as radical scavengers; b) the mechanism of formation of mesoporous silicas; c) use of molecular genetics and high-field EPR to identify and characterize the binding site of the phylloquinone cofactor in Photosystem I; d) ferromagnetic resonance studies of high-anisotropy magnetic media; e) studies of biologically-relevant first row transition metal assemblies; and f) EPR spectroscopy of localized radical cations within redox-gradient dendrimers. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer is an instrument used to obtain information about the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals which are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, especially materials science and biochemistry.