Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Access to a Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) is fundamental to a successful and competitive research program and HQP training in disciplines requiring knowledge of materials' surface structure and composition. Access to SEM/EDX is not readily available at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is prohibitively expensive, and leaves a big gap in essential HQP training, expected to be 125 over the next 5 years. There has been significant development in Tabletop SEM/EDX technology in recent years to the extent that they can readily image to 10-20 nm resolution, require less than 30 minutes of basic training for hands-on access, and images can be collected in less than 5 minutes. Tabletop SEM/EDX are an established tool in many reputable core SEM laboratories for teaching and handling most of the routine measurements. The applicants have successful and leading-edge research NSERC funded programs, amongst other programs, in materials discovery, process and product optimization, sustainable process and product applications and their utilization. They are aimed at preparing new and efficient catalysts, waste to wealth, membranes to clean water and hemodialysis, functional thin film coatings for protection and biocompatibility, and biocomposite materials innovation. SEM/EDX is a fundamental tool required for their research and not having timely access is an impediment to the growth of their programs which have been adding to the fundamental knowledge base and the Canadian economy. They are requesting $150,000 to purchase a Tabletop SEM/EDX that will be placed in a core laboratory that will provide hands on simple to advanced training to HQP and made accessible to the applicants and the community at USask 24/7. Acquiring an SEM would significantly boost research productivity and innovation. High-quality journal publications often necessitate data from advanced characterization tools like SEM/EDX. A tabletop SEM/EDX will also offset the demands on the more advanced instrument making it more accessible for the ultra-high-resolution data when needed.