James Dunn Building, home of the Physics and Atmospheric Science Department
| The Physics Department is located in the Sir James Dunn Building (campus map). |
James Dunn Building, home of the Physics and Atmospheric Science Department
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First Combinatorial Sputtering System
| We aquired our first sputtering system from Corona Vacuum Coaters in 2000 and modified it in-house to allow combinatorial studies in 2001. |
| In 2004 we aquired a second sputtering system from Corona Vacuum Coaters. These sputtering systems produce samples used in the fields of Li-ion batteries, fuel cell catalysts and biomaterials. |
Second Combinatorial Sputtering System
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Testing station housing three 64 channel combinatorial electrochemical cells for Li-ion battery electrode material testing
| In 2003 we developed our first 64 channel combinatorial cell to test Li-ion electrode materials. We have since expanded our capacity to 5 of these cells. This unique design allows us ot test 64 different compositions in each cell simultaneously and at low cost. |
| We also test and cycle individual Li-ion cells using our array of chargers. We have 232 charger channels, all computer controlled. |
Jeff and the array of MoliCel and Maccor battery chargers
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Double glove boxe used for in-situ AFM and optical studies of Li-ion battery electrode materials
| In-situ AFM and in-situ optical studies allow us to investigate the change in morphology of Li-ion battery electrode materials as they react with lithium. |
| Safety studies of electrode materials for Li-ion cells are performed using the Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC). |
Yadong operating the Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) for safety studies of electrode materials for Li-ion cells
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Planetary mixer for slurry production. Mazerustar KK50S from Kurabo
| Electrodes for individual Li coin cells can be made using slurries. This planetary mixer allows rapid and uniform production of high quality slurries. |
| Over the last 3 years we have developed 64-channel combinatorial fuel cells for high throughput testing of fuel cell catalysts. We now have three test stations. |
One of three 64-Channel Fuel Cell test stations
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Joshua (Co-op student) and Dave discussing fuel cells
| We regularly employ Co-op students and summer students to work on research projects such as electrocatalysts for fuel cells. |
| The fuel cell group also studies the activity of fuel cell catalysts using ring rotating disk electrode (RRDE) techniques. |
Arman operating one of three Ring Rotating Disk Electrode (RRDE) setups for fuel cell catalyst activity studies
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Jeff discussing carbon with Philippe and Hubert
| We also research respirator carbons. These are widely used in all kinds of filters. Although our group is sizeable, Jeff regularly meets with everyone to discuss research progress. |
| The toxic gas adsorption capacity of respirator carbons is measured in a specially equipped fumehood. |
Hubert and the respirator carbon fumehood
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INEL CPS120 curved position-sensitive detector coupled to an x-ray generator equipped with a Cu target x-ray tube. The sample holder can translate in X and Y directions
| We characterize our combinatorial thin film samples using an INEL diffractometer allowing automated measurement of XRD patterns in a user-defined x-y grid. |
| Powder samples are characterized using a Siemens D5000 diffractometer. We also have a Siemens D500 difractometer and a Rigaku Miniflex diffractometer. |
Siemens D5000 diffractometer
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Rapid Thermal Processing Unit (RTP-600S) from Modular Process Technologies
| Crystallization studies and anealing of thin film samples is accomplished using a rapid thermal processor capable of 1000°C variations within a few seconds. |
| Thermal characterization of samples is possible using our TA Instruments DSC Q1000. It is able to sequentially characterize 50 different samples without human intervention. |
TA Instruments DSC Q1000 for DSC studies. TA Intruments SDT Q600 for TGA studies
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Room 217 used for chemical sample preparation and Li-ion coin cell assembly
| Our has a healthy mix of both Chemistry and Physics graduate students and post-docs. We have a room dedicated to sample preparation and Li-ion cell assembly. |
| Several furnaces having programmable temperature profiles are used to anneal samples in a variety of atmospheres. |
Furnace Room
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Computer work stations
| Much of our work is done at our numerous computer stations. |
| The combinatorial and high throughput nature of our work regularly requires us to develop both data acquisition and data analysis software. Our main programming language is Visual Basic. |
David and Vincent happily discussing Visual Basic
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Profilometer workstation
| Thickness characterization of our sputtered films can be done using a profilometer offering sub micron resolution |
| Sputtered films can also be characferized using an ellipsometer. |
Ellipsometer
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Contact angle workstation
| Contact angle studies give insight into carbon adsorption capabilities. |
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