Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research on nanoscale electrochemistry, spectroscopy and microscopy of materials and biomaterials will utilize our research tools and experiences established over 15 years of research in our laboratory at Western. World class research will be carried out on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of graphene and phosphorene quantum dots (GQDs and PQDs), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and solar cell devices. Three new research fields with great application potentials will be: 1. ECL, which is the process in which electrogenerated radicals form excited species emitting light without the need for an external light source. Reports on ECL for immunoassays are solely based on [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (RuBpy) as in Roche's product lines. We have discovered that GQDs and PQDs give off bright luminescence upon illumination. The novel ECL protocols with the QDs are similar to the RuBpy one, but are low cost, easy to fabricate. 2. Nanoscale SECM of single live cells. SECM will be used to measure and image reactive oxygen species (ROS), dopamine and membrane permeability through an ultramicroelectrode (UME) (an electrode with a diameter of a few nm to 25 ?m) when it is held or moved in a solution in the vicinity of a single live cell. Specifically, single human bladder cells (T24) and rat neuron cells (PC12) will be used as model cells in our research to investigate heavy metal ion effects on T24 membrane permeability and neuron transmitter dopamine on PC12 permeability. While we have been successful in our research with 5 ?m diameter electrode, permeability and ROS concentration mapping gives only average values over a large surface area due to relative probe to sample. We intend to make 50 nm diameter probes. The nano probe will approach the substrate more closely and therefore enhance the sensitivity and resolution. Almost all cell lines can be investigated using this improved nanoelectrode. Clinic applications and practical devices are anticipated. 3. Among all alternative energy sources, solar energy is clean and the most promising. The sun-light impacting the earth has the capacity to match our total world oil reserve of ~3 trillion barrels with 1.5 days of irradiation. However, the solar approach currently supplies only 0.015% of our electricity globally. The part of the discovery grant proposal aims at enhancing the efficiency of low-cost, light-weight thin film Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells. We have patented a CZTS nanocrystal preparation method for solar cells, and accumulated rich experience on solar cell fabrication procedures along with their tools such as atomic layer deposition. More than 12% efficiency is anticipated. All of these research activities will provide excellent opportunities for high quality personnel training, including undergraduate and graduate students. This research will contribute positively to population health, daily life, energy resources and environment in Canada.