Nano-engineered Smart Material Characterization and Optimization Equipment for Efficient, Cost-effective and Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies

可靠、负担得起、环保的能源转换和存储技术对于跟上加拿大和其他地方日益增长的能源需求至关重要。电化学电源，如可充电电池、超级电容器和燃料电池，已被确定为先进、经济和高效的能量转换和存储的关键使能技术。纳米工程材料显示出这类材料所特有的、基于表面和量子效应的特性。在合成和优化这类材料的第一步也是最重要的步骤之一是在分子水平上了解和控制它们与周围环境的相互作用。用于充电电池、电化学电容器、生物反应器和生物燃料电池的新型纳米结构电极和膜不仅将提高其性能和延长其使用寿命，还将降低其制造和运营成本。所需的实验室设备旨在增强兰伯顿学院的先进纳米工程材料实验室能力，通过发起和开展高度合作的行业驱动的应用研究项目来满足本地和地区中小企业的需求。用所需资金购买的设备包括一个完整的电化学测试站和一个(具有化学吸附能力的面向工业的表面分析仪)，以合成、表征和优化用于广泛工业应用的智能纳米工程材料，包括用于智能电网和交通部门的可行的能源转换和存储技术和设备。申请的设备最初将由九(9)家当地和地区性公司使用，并将由兰布顿学院的研究人员通过兰布顿能源研究中心、工业材料开发中心和蓝水技术接入中心使用。

Reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage technologies are essential forkeeping pace with the ever-growing need for energy in Canada and elsewhere. Electrochemical power sourcessuch as rechargeable batteries, ultra-capacitors, and fuel cells have been identified as critical enablingtechnologies for advanced, cost-effective and efficient energy conversion and storage.Nano-engineered materials exhibit specific properties that are unique to this class of materials and are based onsurface and quantum effects. One of the first and foremost important steps in synthesis and optimization ofsuch materials is to understand and control how they interact with their immediate environment at themolecular level. Novel, nano-structured electrodes and membranes for use in rechargeable batteries,electrochemical capacitors, bio-reactors and bio-fuel cells will not only enhance their performance and extendtheir useful lifetime, but also will lower their manufacturing and operating costs.The requested laboratory equipment aims to enhanceLambton College's Advanced Nano Engineered MaterialsLaboratory capacity to meet the needs of local and regional SMEs by initiating and conducting highlycollaborative industry-driven applied research projects. The equipment to be purchased with the requestedfunding includes a complete electrochemical test station and an (industrially-oriented surface analyzer withchemisorption capability) to synthesize, characterize, and optimize smart nano-engineered materials for a widerange of industrial applications, including viable energy conversion and storage technologies and devices forthe smart grid and transportation sector. The requested equipment will be initially utilized by nine (9) local andregional companies and will be used by Lambton College researchers through the Lambton Energy ResearchCentre, Centre for Industrial Material Development and Bluewater Technology Access Centre.