Nano/micro particle assembly characterization system for advanced material and mineral research

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Here we propose the acquisition of a state-of-the-art nanoparticle characterization system urgently needed to advance strategic research on advanced materials and critical mineral separations. Our research activities find application in solar energy conversion and storage, additive manufacturing, and the sustainable processing of mineral resources. These research activities attract strong funding and industrial support and involve the training of next generation young research materials engineers. In most of our research activities, we deal with particles at the nano and micro scale either from a synthesis, separation, deposition, or more generally processing standpoint, extensive characterization of which is primordial in achieving optimum results. These particles in most of the cases need to be processed or characterized in suspension, as such properties other than size enter into the picture that influence their interaction (dispersion vs. aggregation), rheology, settling, or packing behavior. Thus, measurement of properties like zeta potential/mobility simultaneously with particle size distributions becomes critical. But in many instances particle assemblages are manipulated via the application of polymeric additives, like surfactants, binders, rheological agents and so on, characterization of which in terms of molecular weight, size etc. becomes highly desirable in interpreting their behavior and optimizing their use. The requested system will allow to accomplish all these characterization tasks in a most comprehensive and time-efficient way thus providing a great impetus in accelerating discovery and training in research areas of great importance to Canadian society and economy.