Acquisition of a Multi-User XPS System to Investigate Materials and Environmental Chemistry

University Of Iowa, Iowa City IA

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa will acquire an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas: a) novel synthetic methods for patterning silicon surfaces; b) design of molecular precursor routes to inorganic materials; c) surface characterization of atmospheric particulates; and d) characterization of iron surfaces in environmental applications. 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 and environmental chemistry.