A surface photovoltage spectrometer for fundamental studies and applications of nanomaterials

Understanding the surface properties of nano-materials (materials of 1-100nm in size) plays a crucial role in the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Development of powerful research tools for this purpose is particularly important when considering its significant impact on both the fundamental studies and technological applications of nanomaterials. Towards these ends, it is proposed to install a surface photovoltage (SPV) spectrometer in my group and it will be used for both novel surface studies and technological applications of nanomaterials. The technique of SPV spectroscopy is a well established and very sensitive technique for the surface analysis of materials. Although it has been successfully used in the last two decades in the semiconductor industry, very little effort has been taken on using SPV spectroscopy for the fundamental studies and applications of nanomaterials. Installation of such a SPV spectrometer in my group will make possible novel studies of the surface properties of nanomaterials and explorations of their promising applications for solar cells and sensors, which is the core of my first NSERC research program (Discovery Grant, 2006-2009). Without this instrument, the novelty and significance of my NSERC-supported research in the fundamental studies of nanomaterials will be significantly weakened and none of the proposed promising applications of nanotechnology can be explored. Request for this research tool in my first-ever NSERC RTI application was not approved in last year. To avoid further delay in my newly started research program, an urgent and second-time request is presented in this year.