MRI: Acquisition of an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer at the University of Vermont

University Of Vermont & State Agricultural College, Burlington VT

Investigators

Abstract

This award is jointly funded by the Chemical Instrumentation (CRIF) program, the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), and the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. Professor Rory Waterman from the University of Vermont & State Agricultural College (UVT) and colleague Matthew Liptak are acquiring an X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. This spectrometer is used in various fields including chemistry, biology, and physics. The spectrometer allows observation of transitions when electrons in a magnet field are irradiated with microwaves. The spectrum obtained gives valuable information about the composition of a sample. This information provides insight on the environment near the atom and the properties of the system. For example, the instrument is used to rapidly screen candidate materials for photovoltaic devices to optimize solar cell efficiency. The instrument is housed and managed at the University of Vermont. It provides service to researchers across Vermont as well as a broad swath of New England and upstate New York. The instrument is used to train undergraduate and graduate students in research and in lecture and laboratory courses preparing them for the modern workforce. It also impacts high school students since UVT has programs in place to foster this early STEM education interaction. The project is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. The instrument is used in several research projects. The mechanism of heme oxygenation by iron enzymes is under investigation. Electron-transfer reaction of transition metal complexes are currently being explored. The spectrometer is used to study vanadium oxidation catalysts and the mechanism of spin exchange in organic magnetic semiconductors. The redox behavior of selenium containing compounds is under investigation. Another research area is the discovering of new bond-forming catalysis for the main-group elements. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.