Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Funds are requested for a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and related peripherals; this equipment is urgently needed to advance materials research within and beyond the Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science at Dalhousie University. The requested QCM-D is required to determine the mass, thickness, and viscoelastic properties of novel materials adsorbed to target sensor surfaces, which will provide valuable information about surface interactions and material structures at the nanoscale level. Without these fundamental data, it is impossible to fully understand the impact of the materials' properties on the subsequent application performance, which limits our ability to work towards optimally designed materials in an informed manner. To the best of the applicants' knowledge, there is not currently a QCM-D system available at Dalhousie University. As such, we do not have the capacity to characterize nanoscale surface interactions under flow conditions, measure viscoelastic properties on a nanoscale, observe layer-by-layer assembly of novel nanocomposite materials, quantify the effects of ambient conditions on thin films, or measure and optimize hydrogel loading and release behaviour. Without these capabilities, we are limited to surrogate measurements that must be used to infer these properties, which introduces unnecessary variability and limits fundamental understanding of the related mechanisms. The requested QCM-D is needed to investigate and optimize a variety of novel materials including designed water-soluble polymers for water treatment and enhanced oil recovery, functional biopolymeric films, solution-processed optoelectronics, and biomass-derived hydrogels. The QCM-D would allow for a deeper understanding of the surface interactions and material properties that govern material performance, making it possible to manipulate structure-property-function relationships for the development of novel materials that address current global challenges including ensuring the availability of clean water for all, promoting the sustainable development and production of new materials, and providing clean and affordable energy for all. Given the versatility of the requested system, it is anticipated that many researchers and highly qualified personnel will benefit by having access to the QCM-D. Within the applicants' research groups, at least 10 PhD candidates, 12 MASc candidates, 12 undergraduate students and a postdoctoral fellow will have an opportunity to perform cutting-edge materials research within the next 5 years. Additionally, existing collaborations with researchers within and beyond Dalhousie University will further the impact of the requested equipment, especially for novel Biomedical Engineering applications.