Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This proposal requests funds for the purchase of a streaming potential analyzer for solid surface analysis (SurPASS 3) that will allow identifying and characterizing of surface charge of various novel advanced materials for water, energy and health sectors. These devices will strengthen research and the training of graduate students in the area of advanced materials for water, energy and health applications by expanding the current capabilities in material characterization tools. The Anton Paar's SurPASS 3 system is considered to be the industry standard for solid surface analysis due to it being extremely efficient (requires few minutes to analyze a sample) and accurate in determining surface charge, zeta potential, presence of specific functional groups on the surface and adsorption and desorption behavior of additives on the surface.******Developing novel functional materials for various applications such as antifouling and biocidal materials for water filtration membranes (Dr. Rahaman), effective ion exchange resins for water treatment (Dr Barbeau), novel electrodes and ion exchange membranes for energy production and storage (Dr. Ye), and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (uPADs) for biosensing and diagnostics (Dr. Anbuhi) is one of the core themes of the applicants' research program. In order to develop materials with desired surface properties and to investigate the effects of real-life operating conditions on the surface properties an accurate measurements of the surface charge is essential. The SurPASS 3 is the most recent automatic streaming potential analyzer with an integrated automated titration unit. This instrument allows fully automatic surface zeta potential measurements at different pH values and with various concentration of different additives and will enable the applicants to develop advanced functional materials for the aforementioned applications.******This equipment will be used by up to 40 MASc and PhD students annually in support of their thesis research, as well as PDFs, researchers from other groups, institutions, and researchers from the local academic community. This requested infrastructure will give our students and fellows the opportunity to train with state-of-the-art instrumentation and allow them to effectively compete at the national and international levels. With dedicated technical support, the equipment will be housed in the environmental engineering laboratory of the Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering Department.*****