# Equipment: MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer to Support Materials Science Research, Research Training, and Education at Montana State University

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Montana State University (MT) · $833,300

## Abstract

The requested X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) is a foundational analytical tool used by researchers to characterize material surface composition and elemental oxidation states. This instrument will advance research activities at Montana State University (MSU) and across Montana in quantum materials, energy storage and conversion, biomineralization, and environmental science. More than 30 researchers and their students will use the XPS to expand the scope of their current efforts and tackle new scientific challenges.  Projects that will benefit directly from the new instrument include a) developing 2-dimensional quantum materials for advanced quantum computers; b) discovering novel silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries; c) correlating mineral surface composition with the fate and transport of chemical species in groundwater; d) assessing the impact(s) of chemical surface modifications on bioengineered building and construction materials.  Furthermore, the new instrument will be a focal point for training graduate and undergraduate students at MSU and other Montana colleges and universities, giving those students the experience they need to become skilled scientists ready to enter the workforce. The XPS will be the ‘shared use’ resource that not only advances scientific priorities but also builds capacity through collaborations and enhances workforce development by training students on state-of-the-art instrumentation. This project is jointly funded by 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2511223
- **Awardee organization:** Montana State University (MT)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EJ3UF7TK8RT5
- **PI:** Robert A Walker
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION, QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, BIO-RELATED MATERIALS RESEARCH, Energy Storage or Transmission, Fuel Cells, Solar Energy Capture&Conver, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $833,300
- **Funds obligated:** $416,650
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2511223

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2511223, Equipment: MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer to Support Materials Science Research, Research Training, and Education at Montana State University. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2511223. Licensed CC0.

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