Ponisseril Somasundaran, Et al Columbia University
With the help of the Electron Spin Resonance Spectrometer (ESR) instrument acquired previously, the principal investigators have been able to establish techniques for probing polymer and surfactant layers at solid-liquid interfaces. Results of these studies have already provided some new information on the nature of the adsorbed microstructures. ESR spectroscopy, in conjunction with other techniques, has proved to be a powerful tool for studying molecular mechanisms of adsorption. The purchase of the Bruker EMX 6/1 HX ESR will enable them to analyze directly in-situ the nanostructue conformation and orientation of polymers and surfactants at solid-liquid interfaces and, importantly, changes in them as a function of system parameters and to develop guidelines for optimum conditions and reagents for efficient interfacial processes.
The broader impact of this grant would be that an onsite ESR facility would aid in the endeavor of tailoring certain graduate courses to include practical training in spectroscopic methods. Also, it would produce professional scientists and engineers in the area of interfacial science.
