A Versatile and Multifunctional Vibrational Spectroscopy System: An Immediate Need

本提案的目的是购买一种多功能的原位傅立叶变换红外（FTIR）振动光谱系统，该系统能够识别有机和无机材料，并提供有关分子结构，化学键和局部环境的特定信息。所要求的设备集成了七个主要功能：i)傅里叶变换红外光谱（FTIR，宽范围包括远、中、近红外），ii)内置钻石衰减全反射（ATR） FTIR, iii)快速扫描分辨率，iv)原位（光电）电化学电池，v)时间分辨映射，vi)带真空选项的温度控制室，vii)不同气体环境的大气控制。这种独特的设备将安装在INRS-EMT，对于分析反应中间体和途径，反应机制，活性物质的性质以及工作条件下材料的动态行为，在能源，环境和生物医学应用中非常有用。由于以下七个原因，迫切需要所请求的设备。(1)能源、材料和电信（EMT）中心超过67%（43人中有29人）的教职员工正在积极从事与材料科学、能源、环境和生物医学应用相关的各种研究项目，所要求的设备对他们的研究项目至关重要。（ii） INRS-EMT的旧FTIR设备在2020年完全停止运行。目前，EMT中心没有FTIR设备。（iii） EMT中心的所有FTIR表征都是在外部进行的，这既费时又耗钱。此外，我们在运输样品方面遇到困难，特别是那些具有特定特征的样品。（iv）所要求的设备能够与EMT其他nserc支持的设备连接，形成一个全面的系统，以支持nserc资助的自然科学和工程研究。(v)所要求的设备具有解决传统FTIR所带来的挑战的优点，因为它是ATR-FTIR光谱和测绘的独特组合，能够在一台仪器上进行现场时间和温度分辨的表征。这些设备对于支持INRS-EMT在对加拿大具有高度社会经济重要性的领域的各种研究方案是必不可少的。购置这一设备将为卫生质量管理人员的培训增加一个重要组成部分。我们估计每年至少有48名HQP将使用所要求的设备来提升他们的硕士/博士学位。/博士后项目。在团队和学员组成的基本原理方面，我们已经过充分考虑，团队将继续聘用所有出身和性别的候选人，特别是代表性不足的群体，并鼓励一个开放、尊重、包容和公平的工作场所。

The aim of this proposal is to purchase a versatile, multifunctional and in situ Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) vibrational spectroscopy system that is capable of identifying organic and inorganic materials, and providing specific information on molecular structure, chemical bonding, and local environments. The requested equipment integrates seven major functions: i) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, wide range includes far, mid and near-IR), ii) built-in diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR, iii) fast scan resolution, iv) in situ (photo)electrochemical cell, v) time-resolved mapping, vi) temperature control chamber with vacuum options, and vii) atmosphere control with different gas environments. This unique equipment, which will be installed at the INRS-EMT, is very useful for the analysis of the reaction intermediates and pathways, the reaction mechanism, the nature of active species, and the dynamic behavior of the materials under working conditions, in energy, environmental and biomedical applications. This requested equipment is URGENTLY needed for the following seven reasons. (i) Over 67% (29 out of 43) of the faculty members at INRS-energy, materials and telecommunications (EMT) center are actively working on various research programs related to materials science, energy, environment and biomedical applications, and the requested equipment is CRITICAL to their research programs.. (ii) The old FTIR equipment at INRS-EMT stopped functioning completely in 2020. Currently, there is no FTIR equipment at the EMT center. (iii) All the FTIR characterizations at the EMT center are being conducted externally, which is time- and cost-consuming. Moreover, we experience difficulty in transporting samples, especially those with specific characteristics. (iv) The requested equipment is able to connect with other NSERC-supported facilities at EMT, forming a comprehensive system to support NSERC-funded research in the natural sciences and engineering. (v) The requested equipment has the advantages of addressing the challenges presented by the conventional FTIR, as it is a unique combination of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and mapping, capable of conducting in-situ time- and temperature-resolved characterizations on a single instrument. (vi) This equipment is essential to support INRS-EMT's various research programs in the areas of high socio-economic importance to Canada. (vii) The acquisition of this equipment will add an important component to the training of the HQP. We estimate a minimum of 48 HQP/year will use the requested equipment for the advancement of their MSc/Ph.D./postdoc projects. The EDI in the rationale of the composition of teams and trainees have been well considered and the team will continue to hire candidates from all origins and genders, especially the underrepresented groups, and encourage an open-minded, respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace.