MRI: Acquisition of an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Maryland in College Park will acquire an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas: a) nanostructure reactivity and registration at solid surfaces; b) derivatization of metal and metal oxide surfaces via molecular and mesoscopic self assembly; c) chemical vapor deposition of metal oxides; d) combinatorial synthesis of functional oxides; and e) soft chemical routes to novel solid state materials. The X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) is used for chemical analysis. It irradiates a sample with a beam of monochromatic X-rays and the energies of the resulting photoelectrons are measured and related to specific elements. XPS often plays a crucial role in defining the system under study. The work to be carried out by these investigators represents a highly coherent attack on a range of issues at the forefront of materials chemistry.