Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The Energy and Particle Technology Laboratory (EPTL) at Carleton University seeks funding to acquire an automated Oil Absorption Number (OAN) measuring device. This equipment is essential for advancing research on carbonaceous and metal oxide nanoparticles, including carbon black (CB), alumina (Al2O3), and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3). These materials play a significant role in numerous industrial applications, such as reinforcing agents in rubber, conductive additives in battery anodes, and fillers in fire retardants. The production of CB alone reaches approximately 15 megatons annually, with substantial environmental implications, as each ton of CB manufacturing releases up to 4 tons of carbon dioxide. EPTL is focused on developing decarbonization processes for these materials while cogenerating hydrogen for various applications. The characterization of nanoparticle properties, particularly their specific surface area and agglomerate size, is critical for optimizing these processes. Measuring the OAN provides crucial insights into the structural properties of powders, including conductivity, flowability, and porosity, thereby facilitating their integration into advanced materials. Currently, manual OAN measurements are labor-intensive and operator-dependent, leading to inconsistencies in results. The proposed automated device will streamline this process, enabling high-throughput and precise characterization essential for EPTL's synthesis capabilities. Notably, this OAN measuring device is not available within the Ottawa or Windsor regions, making its acquisition vital for local research initiatives and collaborations with industry partners like Ekona Power and Monolith Materials. The proposal emphasizes the importance of this equipment for the training and development of highly qualified personnel (HQP). By providing equitable access to advanced tools, EPTL aims to attract and mentor students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Recruitment strategies will include broad outreach and the use of gender-neutral language to ensure a diverse applicant pool. The lab manager and senior PhD students will oversee equipment operations, maintenance, and training, fostering an inclusive environment for skill development in nanoparticle characterization techniques. The acquisition of the OAN measuring device will enhance EPTL's research capabilities and contribute to the broader scientific community by offering comprehensive material characterization services. This will ultimately drive innovation and support industrial partners in optimizing their processes while also providing HQP with marketable skills relevant to the growing field of nanotechnology. The project aligns with NSERC's mission to support high-impact research and foster the next generation of researchers equipped with the skills needed to address global challenges.