system to measure and quantify electronic properties of single walled carbon nanotube material and metal oxide catalysts

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This grant proposal seeks  funding for an optical absorption spectrophotometer in the near infrared to ultraviolet range needed to investigate key challenges related to the electronic structure of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and metal oxide-base heterogeneous catalysts. The requested instrumentation will have the exceptional capability of characterizing the electronic structure and chemical environment of a wide range of advanced materials under development in our laboratories. The information derived will be of critical value for potential applications such as deterministic synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes, fabrication of functional SWNT-based composites, monitoring of SWNT transport on the subsurface, synthesis and characterization of novel photocatalysts for advanced oxidation processes and the study of catalytic VOx powders for alkane oxy-dehydrogenation processes. The requested equipment supports inclusive "in situ" characterization of these materials as well; enabling a detailed study of the changes of electronic structure with the time resolution required to capture the dynamics of structural and chemical changes that occur under operating conditions. A diffuse reflectance cells is required for analysis of solid and powdered samples while an in situ reaction cell is requested to allow analysis under isothermal conditions and controlled environments. Mass flow controllers and a flow control box together with stainless steel tubing lines, fittings and additional on/off valves are requested as well to deliver precise compositions of gas reactants to the in situ reaction cell under careful controlled isothermal conditions. These will be part of a dedicated facility for spectroscopy studies of materials under operating conditions. This equipment will enhance the capabilities and expertise in the areas of reaction engineering, catalyst and photocatalysts characterization and at the same time ensure development of new programs in nanotechnology in the departments of Civil and Environmental and Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario.