Sub-micron dielectric spectroscopy of composite polymer membranes and interfaces for alternative energy applications

替代能源装置的最新发展包括用于生产氢气的太阳能收集装置和氢燃料电池新设计的开发。这些新技术代表了能源替代方案，可以帮助加拿大和更广泛的经济/社会满足未来的能源需求，并有可能减少对化石燃料的依赖。在这两种情况下，复合聚合物膜和复合材料内部的界面对这些新材料的整体性能起着至关重要的作用。这些材料的功能和结构依赖于亚微米长度尺度的特性，即小于人类头发直径的1%。基于介电光谱和椭圆偏振阻抗分析仪的传统表征技术无法达到表征这些新材料所需的空间分辨率。

Recent developments in alternative energy devices include solar energy harvesting devices for the production of hydrogen and the development of new designs for hydrogen fuel cells. These new technologies represent energy alternatives that can help the Canadian and wider economy/society meet future energy demands and, potentially, reduce fossil-fuel dependence. In both cases, composite polymer membranes and the interfaces within composite materials play a critical role in the overall performance of these new materials. The functionality and structure of these materials relies on properties that originate at sub-micron length scales, i.e. less than 1% of the diameter of a human hair. Conventional characterization techniques based on the use of impedance analyzers for dielectric spectroscopy and ellipsometry are unable to approach the spatial resolution demanded for proper characterization of these new materials. With this grant, the applicant will develop a form of scanning probe microscopy that is capable of performing dielectric spectroscopy with spatial resolution significantly less than a micrometer, in the range of 0.1% of the diameter of a human hair. This technique will be used to develop and improve membrane materials for artificial photosynthesis devices for harvesting solar energy and generating hydrogen as well as evaluating new materials and designs for organic photovoltaics that convert sunlight to electricity. A further application of this technique will be to evaluate the performance of nanofillers proposed for use in high voltage cable insulation. These new composite materials have the potential to play an important role in safeguarding the investments made in power transmission infrastructure. The interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of this research will provide an exciting and rewarding environment for students to develop their skills while working on projects of practical and scientific importance.