Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique based upon the interaction of light with chemical bonds. It probes the chemical structure of a material and provides crucial information about the identity and morphology of a sample, variations of its physical or chemical properties, and the presence of contamination and impurities. Typically, a Raman spectrum is a distinct chemical fingerprint for a particular molecule or material, and can be used to quickly identify and characterize them. Raman spectral libraries are often used for identification of a material based on its Raman signature, i.e. libraries containing thousands of spectra are rapidly searched to find a match with the analyte's spectrum. Raman spectra can be acquired from nearly all samples which contain molecular bonding. This means that solids, powders, slurries, liquids, gels and gases can be all analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. Indeed, Raman spectroscopy is used to analyze countless different samples, such as: Inorganic, organic and biological materials; Pure chemicals, mixtures and solutions; Metallic oxides, semiconductors, and even corrosion, and is a staple technique in any laboratory that focuses on materials science and engineering, organic and biological chemistry, and analytical and environmental science. The requested equipment is a dual-beam (532/1064 nm) Raman spectrometer. The short wavelength laser at 532 nm is crucial to obtaining spectra for inorganic and organic nanomaterials (e.g., graphene and carbon dots), while the long wavelength laser at 1064 nm is essential for analyzing polymers and microplastics (which would otherwise exhibit strong background fluorescence when excited at 532 nm). The equipment is vital to all the Applicants' research applications including, but not limited to: the structural characterization of carbon-based (graphene, graphene oxide, nanodots, nanofibers), boron nitride (nanosheets, quantum dots) and polymeric nanomaterials; metal-organic frameworks composites; metal-doped electrodes; membranes; paints, pigments and coatings; plastic contaminants in water samples; organosilicon-based probes. In addition, Raman spectroscopy will be beneficial to other research labs at our Institution, including those focusing on other areas of chemistry (structure, purity, and reaction monitoring), building science and civil engineering (composite materials, polymers, concrete), ecology and geology (mineral identification and distribution), life sciences (single cells and tissue, drug interactions, disease diagnosis), fabrics and wearables. Our HQP will have independent, direct access to the equipment, and will be trained hands-on in using a fundamental tool in materials, health and environmental sciences research. Moreover, our intentionally inclusive and effective, evidence-based mentoring practices will support individuals over time toward achieving personal and professional growth, development, and success.