Absorption Spectrometer for the design and engineering of Carbon and Metallic Hybrid Nanoconstructs

这笔拨款将由PI （Rafik Naccache博士）用于购买红外吸收分光光度计，这是他最近在康考迪亚大学化学和生物化学系建立的研究实验室（2015年12月）对发光、金属和混合纳米粒子的表征所急需的。这种多功能分光光度计能够在175-3300 nm的波长范围内进行分析，允许纳米复合材料的研究，执行胶体纳米颗粒分散的光学密度和光谱化学测量，重金属分析，以及等离子体共振带和金属纳米材料吸收特性的表征，所有这些都是我们研究计划的组成部分。此外，它还配备了一个Peltier控制器，可用于进行温度依赖性研究和动力学测量。该仪器将补充最近购买并安装在PI实验室的合成套件（CEM Discover SP Microwave & Explorer 12）和发光表征（Agilent Technologies Cary Eclipse荧光分光光度计）仪器。康考迪亚大学物理系也有类似的仪器，但访问受限，并且特定的光学配置与我们实验室的需求不兼容。所要求的分光光度计将对Naccache实验室推进他们的研究项目至关重要：(1)金属纳米颗粒的合成和由金属和发光碳点组成的混合纳米材料的设计和工程，以及协同能量转移和量子效应；（ii）用于食品安全和智能包装应用的光学传感器设计；（iii）利用适体功能化碳点分析重金属捕获；（iv）金属和发光纳米颗粒在聚合物纳米载体中的包封及其温度依赖性调制释放。为了进行拟议的研究，同时减少延误，所要求的分光光度计是迫切需要的，并且对Naccache博士的研究计划的成功至关重要。事实上，这次申请的成功结果将使他和他的研究团队能够将基础知识转化为新技术和先进技术的开发，同时促进高素质人才的培养，符合加拿大工业和社会的需求。

This grant will be used by the PI (Dr. Rafik Naccache) to purchase an infrared-capable absorption spectrophotometer that is critically needed for the characterization of luminescent, metallic and hybrid nanoparticles in his recently established research laboratory in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Concordia University (Dec 2015). This versatile spectrophotometer is capable of analysis in the wavelength range of 175-3300 nm allowing for the study of nanocomposite materials, performing optical density and spectro-chemical measurements of colloidal nanoparticle dispersions, analysis of heavy metals, as well as characterization of the plasmon resonance bands and absorption properties of metallic nanomaterials, all of which are integral components of our research program. Moreover, it is equipped with a Peltier controller, which can be used to carry out temperature-dependant studies and kinetics measurements. This instrument will complement the suite of synthesis (CEM Discover SP Microwave & Explorer 12) and luminescence characterization (Agilent Technologies Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer) instruments recently purchased and installed in the PI's laboratory. A similar instrument exists in the Department of Physics at Concordia University, with limited access and a specific optical configuration that is incompatible with our laboratory's needs. The requested spectrophotometer will be essential for the Naccache lab to push forth their research program investigating: (i) synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and the design and engineering of hybrid nanomaterials comprised of metallic and luminescent carbon dots, as well as synergistic energy transfer and quantum effects; (ii) design of optical sensors for food safety and smart packaging applications; (iii) analysis of heavy metal capture using aptamer-functionalized carbon dots and (iv) encapsulation of metallic and luminescent nanoparticles in polymeric nanocarriers and their temperature dependant modulated release. In order to carry out the proposed research, while incurring minimal delays, the requested spectrophotometer is urgently needed and is of paramount importance to the success of Dr. Naccache's research program. Indeed, the successful outcome of this application will allow him and his research team to translate fundamental knowledge towards the development of new and advanced technologies, while promoting the training of highly qualified personnel, consistent with the needs of both Canadian industry and society.