Investigating Particle Size, Colloidal Stability, and Zeta Potential of Colloidal Materials and Macromolecules

这些资金将用于购买材料化学研究的至关重要的设备；粒径分析（PSA）和zeta电位测量系统。该系统对于表征胶体材料的性质（例如，粒子或大分子的分散）或薄膜的表面电荷是必要的。要评估的性质包括粒子在溶液中保持分散的能力，作为温度或溶液组成变化的函数。要检查的其他性质包括作为组成或加工条件的函数的粒度分布，以及与胶体种类相关的电荷。该设备还可以表征这些胶体材料在暴露于刺激性化学品或高温下随时间的稳定性。感兴趣的材料包括用于燃料电池的大分子，用于显示和传感应用的分子组件，以及用于治疗分子体内递送的聚合物组件。其他感兴趣的材料包括定制制备的颗粒，以进一步实现按需或以其他方式控制分子物种的释放，生物组织的标记，或开发新的催化剂和膜材料。所要求的系统将使这些材料的开发（例如，指导科学家进行化学修饰的测试）和质量控制（例如，确保可重复性的测试）成为可能。******这个系统是迫切需要的，以取代一个失败的单位，已经大量使用的日常基础上，指导研究的高素质人才（HQP）在西蒙弗雷泽大学。所要求的系统将允许研究人员通过颗粒的大小、颗粒浓度、样品多分散性、样品流量和颗粒悬浮液（胶体）的zeta电位来确定颗粒的分布。此外，它将处理少量有价值的样品，并将用于通过zeta电位分析获得固体平面材料的等电点（例如，表征燃料电池膜和修饰电极的关键信息）。******每年，约52名HQP将接受实际操作培训并使用该设备，从而获得使用高度专业化仪器的技能。这将使他们能够优化合成工艺，并获得关联样品组成、工艺条件、胶体性质、老化和再现性的能力。******加拿大人将从胶体和固体材料的这种特性中受益，因为它将使科学家能够建立新的和更好的材料，用于清洁能源系统，先进的传感器和改进的治疗剂。具体的例子包括提高燃料电池的能源效率和耐久性的材料，以及用于有效输送和靶向释放分子物种的微调系统。这一体系也将带来化学和材料科学方面的新知识。

These funds will enable purchase of critically important equipment for materials chemistry research; a system for particle size analysis (PSA) and zeta potential measurements. This system is necessary to characterize the properties of colloidal materials (e.g., dispersions of particles or macromolecules) or surface charges of thin films. Properties to be assessed include the ability of a particle to remain dispersed in solution as a function of changes in temperature or composition of the solution. Other properties to be examined include particle size distributions as a function of composition or processing conditions, and the charges associated with colloidal species. The equipment also enables the characterization of the stability of these colloidal materials over time, after exposure to harsh chemicals, or at elevated temperatures. Materials of interest include macromolecules used in fuel cells, molecular assemblies for display and sensing applications, and polymer assemblies for in vivo delivery of therapeutic molecules. Additional materials of interest include custom prepared particles to further enable on demand or otherwise controlled release of molecular species, labelling of biological tissues, or the development of new catalysts and membrane materials. The requested system will enable development (e.g., tests to guide scientists in making chemical modifications) and quality control (e.g., tests that assure reproducibility) of these materials.******This system is urgently needed to replace a failed unit that had been used heavily on a daily basis to guide the research of highly qualified personnel (HQP) at Simon Fraser University. The requested system will allow researchers to determine distribution of particles by their size, particle concentrations, sample polydispersity, sample flow, and zeta potentials of a suspension of particles (a colloid). In addition, it will handle small amounts of valuable samples, and will be used to obtain isoelectric points of solid, planar materials through zeta potential analyses (e.g., key information for characterizing fuel cell membranes and modified electrodes).******On an annual basis, ~52 HQP will receive hands-on training and access to this equipment, thereby gaining skills in the use of highly specialized instruments. This will enable them to optimize synthetic processes and gain the ability to correlate sample composition, process conditions, colloidal properties, aging, and reproducibility.******Canadians will benefit from this characterization of colloidal and solid materials as it will enables scientists to build new and better materials for use in clean energy systems, for advanced sensors, and for improved therapeutic agents. Specific examples include materials that improve the energy efficiency and durability of fuel cells, as well as fine-tuned systems for efficient delivery and targeted release of molecular species. This system will also lead to new knowledge in the chemical and materials sciences.