Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

A new X-ray generator, for a Laue diffraction system, is urgently required to replace a defunct instrument. It will be part of a unique set-up for the growth, orientation, polishing, etching, and annealing of metallic single crystals for electrochemistry and electrocatalysis research. The X-ray generator has a similar design to the old one but is a modern instrument with new electronics, as well as data acquisition and processing capabilities. The unavailability of an operational X-ray generator puts on hold an entire, original research program. In addition, it makes it difficult for several HQP to pursue their planned research activities and to complete their graduate studies as planned. The instrument is also essential for our collaboration with Canadian and international researchers. The generator is crucial for cross-disciplinary HQP training, which covers electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials science, analytical chemistry, and corrosion science. The instrument will serve three major research programs. (1) My group will prepare Ni(hkl) electrodes and study their electro-oxidation and electro-dissolution in aqueous alkaline solutions. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements will complement electrochemistry data. We will examine the mechanisms and kinetics of the hydrogen evolution, hydrogen oxidation, oxygen evolution, and oxygen reduction reactions at Ni(hkl) electrodes. My group will also study the stability (corrosion) of Ni(hkl) electrodes in aqueous alkaline media. We will establish structure-catalytic activity-stability relationships for Ni materials, which will facilitate the design of active and stable Ni nanomaterials for alkaline water electrolyzers and fuel cells. (2) My group will prepare Pt(hkl) electrodes and study their electro-oxidation and electro-dissolution in aqueous acidic solutions. We will analyze the stability (corrosion) of Pt(hkl) electrodes in electrolytes outgassed using N2 and saturated with O2 or H2. Electrochemistry research will be supplemented by ICP-MS measurements. Again, the goal of this research is to establish structure-catalytic activity-stability relationships but for Pt materials. The outcome of this project will benefit the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, which employ Pt nanoparticles. (3) My group will prepare Pt(hkl), Au(hkl), and Rh(hkl) crystals having different orientations and will form nanoscopic layers using the under-potential deposition (UPD). The process facilitates the preparation of ultra-thin layers having a controlled chemical composition and fine-tuned physical properties. We will study the UPD of Ag and Cu on three substrates, having three different surface geometries (basal planes). The acquisition of a comprehensive set of data will create new knowledge that will be used to identify trends and to develop advanced theories of this process. The outcome of this project will advance electrochemical nanoscience and nanotechnology.*