Advancing the science and potential applications of nanoporous metals

每个人都听说过纳米技术和纳米材料。一种新兴的纳米材料是纳米多孔金属，通过类似于腐蚀的电化学过程合成。在过去的十年里，人们对这类材料的兴趣激增，在某种程度上，这场革命是建立在申请人早期工作的基础上的。如果这项提案得到资助，我们将创建一个持续的研究项目，以解决这些材料在现实世界中的应用潜力，同时也建立在我们在发现基金项目的早期阶段所做的纳米尺度科学的基础上。具体举措的一些例子包括使用纳米多孔金属作为模板来合成其他纳米材料，节省前驱体合金中昂贵的合金元素，创造新型传感器，以及优化纳米多孔结构表面催化元素的分布。这项活动将补充加拿大的其他纳米尺度研究工作，同时与一个充满活力的专门研究这些材料的国际社区建立联系。最终，这种材料可以促进从生物传感到燃料电池、微驱动、纳米分离等许多非凡技术的发展。*****

Everyone has heard of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. A rising class of nanomaterial is the nanoporous metal, synthesized by an electrochemical process akin to corrosion. The past decade has seen an explosion of interest in such materials, and to some extent this revolution was built on early work by the applicant. If this proposal is funded, we will create a continuing research program to address the potential of such materials in real-world applications, while also building upon the nanoscale science we have done in earlier phases of the Discovery Grant program. Some examples of specific initiatives include - use of nanoporous metals as templates to synthesize other nanomaterials, economizing on expensive alloying elements in precursor alloys, creation of new kinds of sensor, and optimization of the distribution of catalytic elements on the surface of the nanoporous structure. This activity will complement other nanoscale research efforts in Canada, while connecting with a vibrant international community specializing in these materials. Eventually, such materials could facilitate extraordinary technology ranging from biosensing to fuel cells, micro-actuation, nano-separation, and many others.*****