With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Augustana College will acquire a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS). GC/MS will be used to identify and quantify decomposition products from substrate surface reactions on nanocrystalling MGO and aluminum oxide. These high surface area nanocrystalline metal oxides have shown promise at detoxifying chemical warfare agents. Other users will measure the concentrations of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a nearby superfund cleanup site. GC/MS analysis will be used to monitor the reaction progress of a series of chiral spiro-aromatic compounds. Finally, direct probe MS will enable mass spectroscopic characterization of nonvolatile, higher molecular weight liquid crystals.
Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. These studies will have a tremendous impact in a number of fields, ranging from environmental sciences, to nanotechnology. The liquid crystal studies may lead to the development of electrooptical switches, piezo- and pyroelectric devices and nonlinear optics in addition to liquid crystal displays. In addition, undergraduates will have hands-on experience in a number of newly developed courses at Augustana College.
