Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Adsorption isotherms provide invaluable information about the capacity and affinity of adsorbents/material for vapors and gases and allow quick comparison of the performance of different materials. In this proposal, we are requesting funds to purchase a powerful and reliable Sorption Analyzer system that can accurately measure adsorption isotherms for organic compounds, water vapor, and gases at wide ranges of concentrations and temperature. With this system, our students and researchers will be able to assess the performance of novel adsorbents, study the adsorption of gases on shale, characterize the diffusion of humidity in wood. Some of the research areas that necessitate use of the system are mentioned below: 1. Fabrication of new adsorbents for removal of harmful volatile organic compounds from industrial streams. 2. Investigating intricate interconnections between adsorbent's properties and performance, allowing intelligent design of highly efficient and durable adsorbents. 3. Development of catalysts for CO2-free production of hydrogen 4. Evaluating C1 and CO2 adsorption on organic nanopores for applications in carbon sequestration. 5. Measurement of gas adsorption for tight/shale gas exploitation and carbon sequestration 6. Assessment of water vapour diffusion in wood composites These research projects are of strategic importance to Canada and in line with Canada's mission to address the global warming issue, improve public health and safety, and supporting environmental sustainability. Moreover, the requested instrument will be a very useful tool for several research groups at the University of Alberta. The requested system is crucial for our research since it provides essential information regarding the performance of an adsorbent, the adsorption capacity and adsorbent/pollutant interactions, and the storage ability of material (shale, wood). The above projects cannot proceed or completed in a thorough way without access to a reliable Sorption system. Furthermore, this device will support the research of more than 20 researchers and will be installed in a shared lab to ease its use by all applicants. Access to the proposed system will significantly improve our ability to conduct innovative research, train engineers with valuable technical skills, and attract industrial partners.