Field emission scanning electron microscope for green energy, bio-composites, and nanotechnology research

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The intent of this proposal is to request funding for the purchase of a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy capability. The requested instrument expected to have resolution better than 2 nm and capable to resolve objects smaller than 10 nm. The EDX can identify the elemental composition of the specimens. Currently, there is only one FESEM serving ~1000 faculty member at the University of Waterloo (UW). This creates an overcrowded situation on the existing instrument. Each research group has been limited to 6 hour of tool time each week. This posts a devastating constrain on the quantity and quality of scientific research work produced at UW. An additional FESEM is needed because it is extremely critical for maintaining research at UW. To highlight the importance and desperation for this FESEM request, a group of UW faculty members and the Chemical Engineering Department banded together to provide $85k as matching fund for this instrument. The Chemical Engineering Department will also provide additional funds for the installation costs of this FESEM. Some of the projects that can benefit from the new instruments immediately include but are not limited to solar cells, high power fuel cells, high efficiency batteries, advanced drug delivery, flexible electronics, nanowires, nanotubes, nano-fluidic devices, nano-porous and magnetic thin films, advanced chemical catalyst, spintronics, and bio-composites for the automotive industry.