With this award from the Chemistry Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program and co-funding from the Chemistry Research and Facilities (CRIF) Program, Professor John Hemminger from University of California Irvine and colleagues Regina Ragan, Matthew Law, Reginald Penner and Daniel Munn will acquire a combined X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and scanning Auger microprobe (SAM). The proposal is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) XPS and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling, SAM, and UPS studies of solar cell absorbers and device stacks; (b) characterization of metal oxide and metal chalcogenide nanocrystals for photocatalysis; (c) ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), XPS and AES depth profiling studies; (d) manganese dioxide nanowires for ultra-high capacity and rate capabilities for lithium cathodes; (e) correlating surface functionalization and transport properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes; and (f) dynamics of thermally-grown oxides in power generation and propulsion materials.
X-ray photoelectron spectrometers are used for chemical analysis. The XPS technique quantitatively measures elemental composition, empirical formula, chemical state and electronic state of the elements in a given material. A sample is irradiated with a beam of monochromatic X-rays and the kinetic energies of the resulting photoelectrons are measured and related to specific elements. XPS often plays a crucial role in defining the system under study. The technique requires the use of ultra-high vacuum conditions. In Auger electron spectroscopy, energetic electrons emitted from an excited atom are analyzed to provide information on surfaces. The work to be carried out by these investigators represents a wide array of systems requiring surface characterization. The instrumentation will be used in research activities and also for research training and education of a large number of students from diverse backgrounds.
