A TGA-FTIR instrument for research on energy and environment

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Emissions of pollutants are great risks to human health, climate, and sustainable development. Various cleaning technologies such as adsorption are utilized to reduce the emission of pollutants from industries into the environment. In our research, we study the performance and lifetime of adsorbent materials including activated carbon, zeolite, polymer, and metal-organic framework (MOF) to remove harmful compounds from air. The surface chemistry of an adsorbent has a great influence on its capacity and lifetime, thus deserving detailed research. The adsorption process is commonly followed by a regeneration process to bring back the capacity of the adsorbent; however, irreversible adsorption of many pollutants prevents complete regeneration, decreases the adsorption capacity, and shortens adsorbent's service life. ******In this proposal, we are requesting funds to purchase a state-of-the-art Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)-Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) hyphenated system that enables us to study the degradation mechanism of materials and to identify the released gases as material is heated. Using the unique capabilities of the hyphenated system, our team will be able to discover areas that can lead to development of more efficient and durable adsorbents. Some of the areas that require the use of the TGA-FTIR are listed below:***1. Developing carbon-based, polymer, and zeolite adsorbents for control of organic vapour emissions***2. Role of MOFs' characteristics in adsorption and resistive and microwave heating regeneration ***3. Thermal treatment of bitumen, bitumen froth, and upgraded bitumen***4. Reactive surface nanodroplets for nanoextraction and microanalysis of multiple components***5. Development of thermally stable polymeric membranes for enhanced oil recovery******These research projects are of strategic importance to Canada since they lessen air and water quality impacts of industrial activities, reduce emission of greenhouse gases, provide cleaner energy sources, and advance waste-to-energy and oil recovery technologies. Furthermore, it will be an extremely useful tool for environmental groups as well as to researchers in many engineering and science disciplines at the University of Alberta.******The requested TGA-FTIR is essential for us to continue these research projects since it will provide fundamental understandings of materials chemistry and thermal behavior, as well as processes occurring on the surface of solids. Considering the duration of TGA-FTIR analysis and its importance in our research, it is expected that the instrument will be operational continuously throughout the year. Access to the proposed instrument will significantly improve our ability to conduct innovative research, train HQPs with valuable technical skills, and attract industrial partners.