Award Abstract #0820921
MRI: Acquisition of an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Unit for Research and Undergraduate Training in Geology, Chemistry, and Material Sciences and STEM Activities in Grades 7-12

NSF Org:	EAR Division of Earth Sciences
Initial Amendment Date:	July 29, 2008
Latest Amendment Date:	July 29, 2008
Award Number:	0820921
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Thomas J. Boyd EAR Division of Earth Sciences GEO Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date:	August 1, 2008
Expires:	July 31, 2011 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$60453
Investigator(s):	Roland Scal rscal@qcc.cuny.edu (Principal Investigator) Moni Chauhan (Co-Principal Investigator) David Sarno (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	CUNY Queensborough Community College 222-05 56th Avenue Bayside, NY 11364 718/631-6222
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0000099 Other Applications NEC
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

0820921

Scal

Funds from this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant will support acquisition of an energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray microanalysis (EDS) unit to be interfaced with an existing scanning electron microscope system at CUNY. Funds are also requested for a carbon evaporator system which facilitates conductive sample coating. The system will be employed to 1) characterize unknown materials in sedimentary rocks using coupled elemental analysis to infer tectonic history; 2) to understand abrasion patterns, grain zonation and straigraphic mineral chemistry in troumalines, zircon and garnets; 3) to better understand pearl microstructure; to visualize nanostructured polyaniline-enzyme-metal particles used in highly specific biosensors; 4) to visualize polysiloxane networks used to stabilize gold, platinum and palladium nanoparticles; 5) to assess the activity, selectivity, and efficiency of nano-scale metal particle catalysts; and 6) to determine the ratio of metal to siloxane in Pd-colloids. The instrument will be housed in the Chemistry Department and jointly administered by the PIs. Broader impacts will be evident through a commitment to provide undergraduates with a strong foundation in science. CUNY-QCC has STEP and College Now programs to allure students at the critical age between high school and college. The College attracts students from a broad swath of ethnic backgrounds and advantages. The acquisition will be incorporated into the state?s ?Decade of Science,? and provide a resource for several departments.

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