Acquisition of an Ultrahigh Vacuum X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer for Research and Education in Materials and Catalysis
Abstract
The acquisition of an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) is requested for research and education in materials and catalysis at California State University Northridge (CSUN). The objective of this acquisition is to: 1) enhance the current capabilities of Surface and Interface Research Laboratory at CSUN by providing elemental and chemical analysis capabilities that are currently lacking; 2) develop research programs that are of interest to the DoD by combining the proposed instrument with the existing facilities at CSUN; and 3) expand the scope and improve the quality of STEM education at CSUN. XPS is one of the most useful techniques for probing the elemental composition, chemical state and electronic state of materials. The proposed instrument allows XPS measurements, at varying temperatures, while the sample is exposed to gases and light. By combining the proposed XPS system with an existing UHV scanning tunneling microscope system, the correlations between the chemical, structural, and electronic properties of materials can be investigated. This acquisition facilitates the following research projects. First, we investigate the synthesis of heteroatom-doped graphene by using heteroatom-containing precursors, which is a promising synthesis approach and has the potential to achieve a higher level of control over the doping properties. This research aims to uncover the main factors dominating the doping properties and the correlations between doping configurations and catalytic properties. Second, we investigate photocatalytic water splitting on the surfaces of anatase titanium dioxide and emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials. One focus is on identifying the roles of defects and metal nanoparticles in the reactions of water with these materials. This research aims to explore strategies for improving the performance of photocatalysts as well as to discover new 2D photocatalytic materials. XPS measurements are the critical component in the proposed research projects due to its powerful capability in elemental and chemical analysis. For the project on heteroatom-doped graphene, XPS is needed for identifying the amount of dopants and doping configurations. For the project on photocatalytic water splitting, XPS is the primary technique to probe the reactions of water molecules with the photocatalysts under varied scenarios. The proposed UHV-XPS system will not only facilitate the above research projects in the near term but also provide a long-term platform for initiating new research projects in the field of materials and catalysis that are of interest to DoD. The proposed UHV-XPS system will also strongly strengthen the STEM education programs at CSUN, which aims to attract more students to pursue careers in the STEM fields, especially in the field of materials and catalysis. These education programs benefit graduate and undergraduate students at CSUN as well as local K-12 students/teachers. The related educational activities include: (1) providing research opportunities to aspiring undergraduate and graduate students, including underrepresented minority students, for conducting research under the guidance of the PI; (2) developing a new course on experimental surface science techniques for graduate and senior undergraduate students; and (3) holding annual open-house activities for K-12 students and teachers in local schools with the intent to cultivate and promote their interests in materials and catalysis. These proposed activities will also benefit traditionally underrepresented minorities. In addition, this acquisition will greatly promote both internal and external collaborations, which will have a great impact on the STEM research and education at this minority-serving institution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710459
Entities
People
- Li Gao
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- California State University, Northridge
- Office of the Secretary of Defense