Replacement Scanning Electron Microscope for materials chemistry research

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This proposal seeks to acquire a new scanning electron microscope (SEM) system, urgently needed to replace the old system that is no longer functioning. An SEM is one of the most useful and versatile instruments to study new materials, enabling imaging of the morphology and structure of sample, allowing micro/nano-scale features of be related to the function of the material. Furthermore, when equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detectors, the atomic composition of the sample can be determined by X-ray fluorescence. The SEM system will be used to characterize new advanced materials for clean energy and environmental sensing technologies. Specifically, the instrumentation will be used to determine structure-property relationships for new fuel cell electrodes materials. Fuel Cell technologies provide clean energy by converting hydrogen fuel into electricity and water. They have the potential to be more widely deployed in the energy landscape provided that improvements can be made in the performance-to-cost ratio of the materials, and also in their durability. The supported research programs are focused on synthesis and evaluation of new electrode materials that could overcome many of these issues. In addition, the SEM system will also be used to characterize a new class of ion sensing devices that can be used rapidly to metal monitor containment in water. Such devices have the potential to be deployed as low-cost environmental monitoring for both waste and clean water sources. SEM measurements will enable imaging of the micro and nano-scale features of the new materials. EDX measurements will enable bulk composition determination and the digital X-ray mapping feature enable visualization of the elemental distribution within the catalyst layer or sensor surface. These measurements will enable us to understand how composition and morphology influence performance and guide the design of better devices. This equipment will not only help sustain our existing research programs, but also enable new and exciting research directions. Advancements from this work will help strengthen Canada’s competitiveness in advanced materials, clean energy, and environmental monitoring technologies.