Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This proposal seeks funding for a powerful and polyvalent spectroelectrochemical system PM-IRRAS (Polarization Modulation-InfraRed Reflection-Adsorption Spectroscopy). Spectroelectrochemistry is a hyphenated in-situ technique that combines two classical methods, Electrochemistry and Spectroscopy. In situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry is a powerful means and an alternative vibrational technique to acquire potential-dependent insight into the molecular and chemical nature of surfaces and the adsorbed species at electrochemical interfaces. Thus, to minimize the radiation losses by solvent absorption and enable in-situ characterization without removal of the electrode from the electrolyte, a spectroelctrochemical PMIRRAS technique is urgently needed. This new capability will have an immediate impact in two key electrochemical research areas: molecular adsorption on electrodes and interfacial electrode reactions (electron and charge transfer processes), which is of paramount importance to the co-applicants' NSERC research programs. This technique is urgently needed for the in-situ characterization of 2D materials based electrochemical sensor fabrication (M. Siaj, UQAM), the electrochemistry in superconcentrated aqueous electrolytes (D. Bélanger, UQAM), the oxidation of ethanol molecules by Pt-based catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells development (M. Mohamedi, INRS-EMT), surface-residing reaction intermediates generated by Melt-React-Trap (M. Frenette, UQAM), the characterization of printed electronic devices on different substrates (R. Izquierdo, ÉTS) and electro-oxidation and electro-reduction of small organic molecules at thin films (D. Guay, INRS-EMT). The instrument is crucial for the research programs being established by all six co-applicants. Basic FTIR instruments are present in many universities, but a Sepectroelctrochemical PM-IRRAS does not exist. Attempts to perform our analyses using other FTIR facilities, located either in Montreal area, as existing infrastructure does not meet our requirements.* Our project defines a wellstructured team uniting investigators from six complementary laboratories and diverse fields of expertise, all essential to maximize the use of the requested equipment. The proposed equipment will be used to train students and post-doctoral fellows from UQAM, INRS-EMT, ÉTS, NanoQAM and Quebec Center for Advanced Materials. HQPs will be trained in basic and advanced in-situ spectroelectrochemical PM-IRRAS by NanoQAM professionals. This ensures a uniform and high level of hands on experience that the HQP subsequently will develop further as they independently use the instrument. In fact, one of the unique features of the proposed instrument (PM-IRRAS) is a versatile platform that can accommodate many different users. This will give the HQPs a unique and versatile skill-set, that will be a strong component of their ability to maintain the strength of Canadian universities, public and private R&D sectors.*