Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The diffraction of X-rays by crystalline materials is an extremely powerful analytical method for determining the three-dimensional structures of molecules and solid state materials. Key to the ability to obtain data from crystals that do not diffract X-rays strongly due to their size and/or composition is the use of Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera technology. These CCD cameras for X-ray diffractometers allow for the rapid collection of high quality (intense) X-ray diffraction data on crystal samples that are only a few micrometers in size. This application will allow for researchers to go from one single crystal X-ray diffractometer to a new generation technology CCD detector camera, together with a new radiation source. The installation of such a sensitive detector will have an immediate impact moving forward research programs in the areas of semiconductor nanomaterials, polymeric materials, catalysts for organic transformations and organic molecules targeted for pharmaceutical applications . This equipment will support the research of several professors and contribute to the scientific hands on training of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers at Western University.