Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This application aims to purchase a multifunctional in-situ mass spectrometry for real-time detection and quantification of gas evolution to support innovative research and training programs in Sustainable Energy and Sensing technologies. The requested equipment is unique, highly sensitive (ppb level), fast response (less than 300 milliseconds), and urgently needed. Energy sustainability and climate change are two of the biggest challenges that humanity is facing. Developing clean energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to maintaining a sustainable and healthy society. Electrochemical energy technologies (e.g., batteries, electrolyzers for green H2 production, fuel cells, CO2 reduction) play a vital role in the conversion, storage, and utilization of sustainable energy from renewable resources (e.g., solar, wind, hydropower) to combat climate change and realize a net-zero carbon society by 2050. Gas evolution is a common phenomenon in such devices and can significantly affect their performance and lifetime. For example, gassing (or gas generation) can cause battery cell volume swelling, performance degradation, and sometimes severe safety issues (e.g., explosion or fire). On the other hand, gas sensing is receiving intensive attention because of its applications in real-time battery security monitoring (to prevent fire hazards and explosions), greenhouse gas sensing, automotive industry (e.g., polluting gases detection), and medical/health care. The requested equipment is capable of real-time detection and quantification of gases, particularly both evolved off-gases and dissolved species (including intermediates, products, and by-products) in energy devices during their operation, providing precise gas data, which could not be realized by conventional mass spectrometry. It allows us to obtain deeper mechanistic insights into the device reactions and thus develop safer and more efficient energy conversion and storage systems and gas sensors. The requested equipment can support many research projects with revolutionary concepts and open new perspectives, consolidating Canada's leadership position at the forefront of sustainable energy and sensing technologies, while creating a comprehensive and multidisciplinary platform for HQP training at all levels. The HQPs will gain valuable experiences in materials science, and sustainable energy conversion and storage, and sensing technologies, and will develop unique analytical and technical skills transferable to their future careers. Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the rationale of the composition of teams and HQP recruiting and training have been well considered.