X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Training
Abstract
The objectives of this project are 1) to facilitate the progress of research in a wide range of disciplines by satiating the urgent needs of surface chemistry characterization, 2) to provide advanced hands-on training for both graduate and undergraduate students, particularly in underrepresented groups by acquiring a state-of-the-art X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) system for the UC Merced campus. Considering the large number of researchers and diversity of research areas in need of XPS, a system with both functional flexibility and operational simplicity is pursued. An XPS will enable the identification of elemental composition of samples and chemical/electronic states of each element with depth-profiling capability. In addition to basic functionality, additional modules requested in this proposal should enable angle-dependent XPS analysis and minimize chemical damage of samples during depth profiling of any type of materials, including organic, biological and insulating samples. The new instrument acquired through this project will be leveraged for both research and education. Research: XPS is one of the standard materials characterization tools for a wide range of research in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and other disciplines. However, UC Merced, one of the few research-intensive minority-serving institutions, is not yet equipped with an XPS. Researchers on campus currently need to reach out to facilities elsewhere to access such capabilities. The new XPS will immediately benefit a diverse array of fundamental and applied research in UC Merced including tribochemical phenomena, photovoltaic and electrochemical energy conversion, mesogenic materials design, water treatment and strain engineering of materials. The addition of an XPS system will significantly facilitate not only the progress of the active research in UC Merced and but also other research and development activities in the wider Central Valley area of California. Education: It is a central mission of UC Merced to serve the ethnically and culturally diverse but underserved region of California, the San Joaquin Valley area. The proposed project will provide excellent opportunities for underrepresented groups in the region and advance the nationÕs interest in building a diverse, high-quality STEM workforce. A state-of-the-art XPS system will directly benefit both graduate and undergraduate students on campus with various research projects and valuable hands-on training through lab-based courses and pre-established undergraduate research programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910516
Entities
People
- Min Hwan Lee
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of California