With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation program (MRI), Michael J. Shaw and colleagues Yun Lu, Eric J. Voss, Paul E. Wanda and Chin-Chuan Wei from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville upgrade an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectrometer. This spectrometer will allow a core of users to pursue research in: (1) functionalization of conducting molecular wires, (2) changes in cell membrane fluidity during apoptosis, (3) regulation of reactive species by plants and animals and mechanisms of NO synthesis, (4) efforts to eliminate organic solvents in organic synthesis, (5) Cleavage of DNA by metal-bipyridyl complexes, (6) sol-gel synthesis of variable composition glasses, (7) free radicals in xenon difluoride reactions, and (8) study of porous bimetallic cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.
An EPR spectrometer yields information on the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, short-lived species that are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, such as inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, the environment and battery manufacturing. The spectrometer will also be used as a training tool for the students while generating useful knowledge and serving a broad base of users in Southwestern Illinois.
