Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The ability to control the structure of materials at the nanoscale is yielding new functional materials with exceptional properties (electrical, optical, magnetic, photocatalytic, etc.). One of the most versatile means to arrange matter at the nanoscale is through the use of plasmas. Plasmas are remarkable due to their capability to provide simultaneously a variety of particles, namely ions, neutral atoms and radicals, and photons, all within a non-equilibrium environment. Plasmas are therefore unique in their ability to synthesize inorganic and organic materials in the form of either thin films or nanomaterials. Given the undeniable scientific and technological importance of bolstering research and training in this very fertile field at the cutting-edge of various disciplines (physics, chemistry and engineering), I am leading an ambitious research program in which innovative plasma-based materials processes are developed, and further, yields exciting new insights into materials science and technology. These novel materials can then be exploited to conceive the next generation of photonic devices of ever-increasing complexity, performance and functionality or advanced environmental and energy applications such as water treatment and green hydrogen production. In this context, the proposed research program aims to build upon the progress made in the recent years, seize new opportunities, and address novel challenges in the field of plasma synthesis of innovative thin films and nanomaterials. It has three main objectives: (i) deepening our understanding of the metal-insulator transition characteristics of doped vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films synthesized by laser produced plasmas. This new knowledge can yield groundbreaking advances that can impact specific applications of doped VO2, namely ultrafast "green" photonic devices and smart radiator devices for miniaturized satellites; (ii) studying both experimentally and numerically the mechanical and optical properties of silicon nitride (SiN) synthesized by reactive sputtering. Ultimately, based on this new knowledge, a unique SiN-based platform for novel photonic devices will be made available to a broad research community; and (iii) investigating advanced materials synthesized by various plasma techniques to develop solid-state dual-functional photocatalytic systems intended for simultaneous water purification and green hydrogen production. To achieve the objectives of this fundamental research, two PhD, four MSc students and ten undergraduates will be trained in an exceptional scientific and technological ecosystem as well as in a rich human environment. The new knowledge stemming from this research will pave the way for the exploitation of the developed advanced materials to respond to specific economic needs of Canadian companies involved in sectors such as photonics, energy and environment.