# MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of a Bench Top Powder X-ray Diffractometer Enabling Research, Education, and Outreach in the Upper Great Plains

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of South Dakota Main Campus (SD) · $142,977

## Abstract

This award is jointly supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Division of Chemistry Research Instrumentation program, and the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate Office of Strategic Initiatives. In this project, the department of chemistry at the University of South Dakota will acquire a new powder X-ray diffractometer to support teaching and research activities. Powder X-ray diffractometers are used to identify crystalline materials present in a wide range of sample types such as nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, geological materials, and composites as well as new materials produced in the research laboratory. This instrumental method allows scientists to assess detailed information such as the types of crystalline materials present in samples, the size and shape of those crystals, and the fraction of crystalline material. These crystalline properties relate to the reactivity, performance, and overall behavior of samples. The instrument supports research to disrupt the illicit economy, improve security, improve diagnosis and treatment of disease, and advance industrial processes with education and training opportunities to impact the upper Great Plains region.

Advanced materials are critical to new technologies and a subject of ongoing research that is fundamentally driven by an understanding of the structure and properties of materials. Many compositions of matter contain crystalline phases. Due to the atomic ordering, the principle of

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2511435
- **Awardee organization:** University of South Dakota Main Campus (SD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** U9EDNSCHTBE7
- **PI:** James D Hoefelmeyer
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION, CHEMICAL INSTRUMENTATION, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $142,977
- **Funds obligated:** $142,977
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2511435

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2511435, MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of a Bench Top Powder X-ray Diffractometer Enabling Research, Education, and Outreach in the Upper Great Plains. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2511435. Licensed CC0.

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