MRI: Acquisition of a Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer for Research and Education at an HBCU

This award to Hampton University is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs to support research by Oluwatoyin Asojo and colleagues Kesete Ghebreyessus, Peter Njoki and Rupak Dua. This institution is acquiring a single crystal X-ray difffractometer (SCXRD). In general, an X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three-dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of a molecule relative to neighboring molecules.

The studies described here impact many areas, including organic and inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, geology and biochemistry. This instrument is an integral part of teaching as well as research and research training of undergraduate students in chemistry and biochemistry at this Historically Black College and University (HBCU) as well as Old Dominion University.

The instrumentation provides direct research experience for students in a variety of courses distributed in various departments. Seminars on structural science engage additional regional users and other neighboring universities.

The award of the X-ray diffractometer is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. The science enabled by this instrument provides relevant societal benefits by associating protein structures and the chemistry of life and by developing ruthenium(II)-arene complexes appended with hemilabile photoswitchable ligands. The instrumentation is also used for studying, designing and fabricating non-noble copper-based materials for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide and for studies employing bioengeneering materials for use in musculoskeletal disorders.

The diffractometer is also used to carry out photocatalytic and mechanistic studies of clusters having a core composed of four cobalt and four oxygen atoms (Co4O4).

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.