Electrochemistry, Spectroscopy and Microscopy for Interdisciplinary Research

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This multidisciplinary proposal involves biological, materials, physical and analytical chemistries, based on our research tools and expertise established at Western. We intend to apply scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), electrochemiluminescence (ECL), bipolar electrode (BPE) microfluidics, confocal Raman microspectroscopy, and ionic liquids (ILs) to three new research fields with great application potentials: 1. SECM of live cells and metallic materials. SECM will measure and image reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cell dysfunctions and stimulations by drug molecules. ROS are involved in biological activity in virtually all cells and tissues. We will also use SECM to non-invasively construct grain microstructures of many metallic materials such as Zn, Ni electroplated high strength steels for hot-stamping in manufacturing automobiles. We will correlate the structures to their reactivity for further enhancing product quality to cost ratios. Progresses in analytical instrumentation and nano probe fabrication will be anticipated. 2. ECL microfluidics. For the first time, we will integrate a BPE inside a microfluidic device to measure the cellular ROS concentration that is proportional to ECL intensity. The novel ECL protocol is similar to flow cytometry, but it is no-invasive since extracellular ROS are measured, and has much higher sensitivity because no interference light source is introduced. Clinic applications and practical devices are anticipated. 3. Our hydrophobic and low-cost ILs will be assessed to be electrolytes in Li batteries and electric double layer cells as well as media for electrodeposition of Li electrodes. This will facilitate the fabrication of greener and safer energy storage devices. Our ILs will also be utilized as the main component in membranes of sensitive ion-selective electrodes. All of these research activities will provide excellent opportunities for high quality personnel training, including undergraduate and graduate students. This research will contribute positively to population health, daily life, energy resources and environment in Canada.