Acquisition of a Zeta Potential Analyzer and an Advanced Automated Goniometer/Tensiometer to Enhance the Interdisciplinary Research and Training Capabilities at Tuskegee University
Abstract
With this award from the Department of Defense (DoD), a Zeta potential analyzer and an Advanced Automated Goniometer/Tensiometer will be acquired to (i) augment existing capabilities or to develop new capabilities in research areas of interest to DoD, (ii) attract students to pursue studies leading to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, and (iii) strengthen the present capabilities of the interdisciplinary research and training at Tuskegee University (TU), as one of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), and support undergraduate and graduate research and training. The proposed SurPASSTM 3 surface zeta potential analyzer will increase our ability to rapidly gain information on the surface charge, surface functionality, the specific interaction of dissolved compounds with the solid surface, and liquid-on-solid surface adsorption processes. This instrument will support and/or stimulate new ideas in collaborative interdisciplinary programs aimed at advancing knowledge in areas that include membrane separation technology, adsorption studies, degradation and transformation of contaminants in water and wastewater, drug delivery system and cancer research, polymers and composites, and nanotechnology. In addition, Advanced Automated Goniometer/Tensiometer can measure static and dynamic contact angle, advancing and receding contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, roll-off angle, surface energy, and surface and interfacial tension. The instrument will be used to study membrane science and technology with focus on water and wastewater treatment, converting the waste into resources, and energy saving in treatment processes and to identify fillers designed for joining materials. In general, these instruments will help us in developing new specialized materials and processes. The broader impacts include: 1) These instruments will directly benefit faculty members of the College of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering), College of Arts and Sciences (Chemistry and Biology), and College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences that will be the primary users of these facilities. 2) TU is an HBCU that serves predominately African-American students that are typically under-represented. This acquisition will improve a high quality research training of undergraduate and graduate students for participation in national collaborations and for greater involvement in the scientific community. Equally, it would allow the faculty to train students through the graduate programs in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, and Environmental Science. The graduate students research projects will widely be improved by access to better characterization methods. These welltrained graduates will bring much-needed diversity to the nation s technological workforce involved in research and manufacturing. 3) This acquisition would certainly impact the interdepartmental research activities on Tuskegee s campus. On a broader scale, these instruments will help boost value and capacity of TU as a partner in national collaborations with other universities. 4) The fundamental research studies designated with these instruments in the proposal can finally lead to novel design and manufacturing methodologies. 5) This acquisition will enhance the ability of TU for the outreach activities that can bring local high school students and/or teachers to become familiar with use of the instruments and participate in some of the laboratory activities thus motivating high school students from an under-represented community to pursue a college degree in STEM disciplines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110222
Entities
People
- Shahryar Jafarinejad
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Tuskegee University