Office: PHSC 331A Phone: (405) 325-4806 Email: rlwhite@ou.edu Group Homepage Link	Robert L. White Professor B.S. (Purdue-Calumet Campus) 1978; Ph.D. (Nebraska) 1982 Junior Faculty Research Award, 1986, 1988
Division: Analytical chemistry. Research Interests Analytical applications of infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry; development of computerized analysis methods; spectroscopic studies of solid-state catalytic reactions; mechanistic studies of thermal decomposition processes.

Research Description

Graduate researchers working in my laboratory are developing new analysis methods and instrumentation required to study problems which are particularly relevant to our present day society. Current research efforts focus on novel applications of chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry. Emphasis is placed on combining complementary analysis methods to produce "hyphenated" analytical systems.

Our current research projects are relevant to the computer industry and environmental concerns. In collaboration with a computer manufacturer, we are trying to understand how flaws are formed in ceramic substrates manufactured for high density integrated circuits that are being developed for use in the next generation of supercomputers. We are also characterizing the thermal properties of volatile organometallics that are used to make ceramic superconductor thin films. Reproducible production of high quality superconducting thin films is the first step toward manufacture of high-speed superconducting integrated circuit chips. Lastly, we are investigating various methods that may potentially convert landfill polymers into petroleum feedstocks.

Our research typically involves studies of complex chemical systems. We employ hyphenated analysis techniques such as GC-FTIR and GC-MS and develop additional instrumentation when required. Most recently, we introduced the "variable temperature-diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-mass spectrometry" (VT-DRIFTS-MS) hyphenated analysis system for studies of thermal degradation processes. This analysis system is shown in block diagram form in Figure 1 and consists of a mass spectrometer interfaced to an infrared spectrophotometer.

With this analytical instrument combination, it is possible to measure infrared spectra of solid samples while the solid material is heated and simultaneously detect volatile thermal degradation prod ucts with the mass spectrometer. We have found numerous applications for the VT-DRIFTS-MS system. Figure 2 contains infrared spectra measured while heating a multi-functional polymer. Changes in the solid residue structure can be correlated with the evolution of products by comparing infrared spectral data with mass spectra acquired at the same temperature

For example, Figure 3 shows that the loss of C-H functionalities in the polymer correlates with mass spectrometer detection of the m/z 72 ion. However, hydroxyl functionalities are lost by a different process that does not result in m/z 72 ion formation in the mass spectrometer.