Research/Teaching Interests

Electrochemical processes form the basis for many chemical phenomena; the purification of metals, the detection method used in some biosensors, the creation of electrical energy in a fuel cell. Study of the chemistry that occurs on an electrode surface requires the use of many electrochemical techniques as well as in-situ spectroscopic and microscopic tools. Our main research focus is the study of molecular films adsorbed onto electrode surfaces. We investigate how the electric potential changes the nature of the molecules on the electrode surface. We probe these changes using electrochemistry (voltammetry, impedance, chronocoulometry) and in-situ spectroscopies such as FTIR, reflectance, Raman, and fluorescence in addition to AFM. We have also used these techniques to probe the electrocatalytic properties of Pt and Pt - alloy catalysts that may find use in fuel cell applications

Current projects include:

In-situ Fluorescence Microscopy Characterization of Modified Electrode Surfaces

We have developed a unique tool to study electrode surfaces modified by the adsorption of molecules like fatty alcohols, alkylthiols, thiolated DNA, etc. This method is able to 'see' heterogeneity or uneven coverage by these molecules. Using this method, we hope to provide insight into the nature of these regions and preparation methods that minimize these areas. The surfaces under study usually form the basis for a number of biosensors.

We are currently collaborating with Prof. H. Yu (SFU chemistry) investigating the nature of the DNA self-assembled monolayers (SAMs); with Prof. C. Buess-Herman (ULB, Belgium) investigating the characteristics of aptamer and peptide SAMS; and with Prof. F. Maran (UPD, Italy) on the SAMs of his highly oriented peptide SAMs.

Fuel Cell Catalysis

A better catalyst for the reduction of oxygen, which occurs on the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell is required. Currently, dispersed Pt nanoparticles are used. We are working on a new alloy of Pt that shows an improvement over Pt and is stable in acidic environments. We are using our in-situ probes to study the reaction on this alloy in addition to using this catalyst in a real fuel cell environment.

In addition, we collaborate with Prof. D. Wilkinson and Prof. E. Gynege (CHBE) on the creation of a Pt/Nafion composite material that may be benifical in fuel cells, decreasing the need for Pt and increasing its stability during fuel cell operation

Electrodeposited Cu films

The study of electrodeposited Cu films and the role played by organic surfactants in the plating bath are studied using electrochemical and Raman techniques as well as AFM for topological measurements

Research Projects