Thin Films for Sustainable Energy and Energy--Intensive Technologies

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The proposed research is aimed at the development of advanced thin-films inorganic nanostructures (nanocomposites and nanoparticles) and assessment of process deposition aspects via the relatively novel pulsed electron beam ablation (PEBA) technique with sustainability as the underlying framework. The material systems of interest consist of a special group of metal sulphides/phosphides, namely, FeS2, Cu2S, CZTS (copper zinc tin sulphide) and Zn3P2, and metal oxides, namely, CuO, Cu2O, Co:ZnO, Fe:ZnO, and Cu/Cu2O. These materials have a set of very attractive properties making them potential candidates as nanocatalysts and solar cell materials in future energy technologies. They are earth abundant and inexpensive, adhere to the cradletocradle approach, and are environmentally benign, making them sustainable materials. The preparation method, PEBA, is based on plasma technology and fulfills fundamental sustainability criteria such as cost-effectiveness, low energy budget, versatility, flexibility of operation, scalability for mass production, and low environmental footprint. The proposed research program encompasses both fundamental and applied aspects. Fundamental investigations include the preparation, processing, and characterization/testing of the nanostructures by analytical means and the analysis of their preparation process by modeling, computational tools, and real-time diagnostics. It is anticipated that the research will result in important strides towards gaining a fundamental understanding of the materials of interest by addressing the intricate relationships between deposition, processing, structure, and properties. The nanostructures targeted by this program find niches as effective nanocatalysts in energy-intensive chemical processes such as liquid hydrocarbon production (Fischer-Tropsch), production of green nitrogen fertilizers via nitrogen fixation (Bosch--Haber), hydrogen storage, and abatement of noxious substances. They are also excellent candidates for future leading solar light conversion technologies. The research is quite interdisciplinary and offers excellent training opportunities via the acquisition of transferable skills through firsthand experience with a variety of analytical tools and methods, involvement in computational work, and interactions with collaborators. Major sectors of the economy in high demand for the gained skills include value-added nanomanufacturing, process intensification, energy conversion and conservation, environment protection, consumer products, and technical consulting. The research will enhance institutional research capacity in materials science and nanotechnology as identified in the Laurentian University Strategic Research Plan. The targeted applications are of strategic importance due to increasing societal demands, and to their impact on the province's and Canada's economic and social prosperity, energy security and sustainability, and technology competitiveness.