Microcalorimetry of adsorption: energy at interfaces

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We propose the purchase of a microcalorimeter of adsorption that combines differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal calorimetry (ITC). While DSC instruments are present in many labs, ITCs are rare, and are most commonly configured only for liquid/liquid measures. The proposed microcalorimeter is a versatile and sensitive instrument that allows measuring energies of adsorption, reaction, and dissolution, in systems involving liquid/gas, liquid/liquid, solid/gas, and solid/liquid phases. Such an instrument does not have an equal at McGill and surrounding area (the closest one is in Ottawa). It will support the research of at least nine researchers from both McGill (Mining and Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering), and INRS. The programs supported span a broad range of applications, including biomaterials, heterogeneous catalysis, biosensing, biomedical applications of nanoparticles, materials with tunable wettability, mineral processing, water treatment, metal recovery and photovoltaics. The thermodynamic information obtained with the microcalorimeter will allow the applicants to characterize the molecular details of the adsorption processes that they are studying, and to design optimized materials and processes. This information is currently a missing piece in the research of all the applicants.