Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The proposed acquisition of the Teledyne Leeman Prodigy Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission (ICP) Spectrometer will result in the ability to perform elemental quantification analysis over a wide range of concentrations. ICP spectrometry is needed for a wide variety of research efforts, which include as part of this proposal, but are not limited to, mineral retention analysis in soy protein products, characterization of modified clays and nanocomposites, catalyst and metal residues in polymer-based products, chemical composition analysis of fresh and spent catalyst samples in hydrogen production technologies, preparation of samples with axial gradients in active catalyst compositions, contaminant quantification in fuel cell membranes, and analysis of electrodeposited materials used for example in magnetic recording. These research programs include NSERC Discovery, Industrial Research Chair and Collaborative Research and Development grants, and industrial contracts. The quality and success of these projects rely on the ability to accurately quantify elemental concentrations in a variety of sample types. The proposed Teledyne Prodigy ICP Spectrometer is versatile enough for this diverse range of research as it can handle complex sample matrices, for example dissolved solids, oils, catalyst digestates and biological fluids, and provides optimal detection and sensitivity.The purchase of the ICP Spectrometer will strengthen the analytical abilities and highly qualified personnel training facilities that exist at the University of Waterloo. The success of the projects associated with this analytical need are critical for a number of development opportunities in Canada and will result in trained personnel to further such development and for employment in high-tech industries.