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

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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.