Grid energy-storage is indispensable for balancing daily and seasonal fluctuations in the energy generation especially for renewable energy resources. Among several promising battery technologies, redox flow batteries, possess competitive advantage for large-scale grid-energy storage as their capacity is scalable, and their costs are dominated by the negative and positive electrolytes.

Picosecond InfraRed Laser (PIRL) technology has finally realized the long-held promise of the laser to achieve the fundamental (single cell) limit to minimally invasive surgery – with the unexpected benefit of scar free healing. The very process of laser cutting involves the selective excitation of natural occurring water inside tissue to drive molecules into the gas phase in the form of an ablation plume.

The recent legalization of marijuana across the globe has sparked new interest in studying the health benefits of non-psychotropic cannabinoids. The majority of the studies have revolved around cannabidiol as it can readily be isolated in high quantities from hemp. Preliminary medicinal studies into CBD have revealed its promise as a treatment for anxiety, and chronic pain. Encouraged by this success, investigations are now shifting to the minor cannabinoids.

Imaging of cerebral perfusion (the delivery of blood to a capillary bed in the brain tissue) is significant for diagnosing a variety of diseases. There are multiple challenges associated with perfusion imaging which significantly limits the quality of cerebral perfusion images. I am planning to develop a novel approach of cerebral perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (129Xe). To conduct HP 129Xe perfusion imaging, I am developing a novel HP MRI Time-of-Flight (TOF) pulse sequence.

Sugars play many important roles in our bodies. For example, they provide a supporting environment around cells and are also involved numerous processes, including viral and bacterial infection. In addition to their natural existence, there is also interest in preparing sugar-based polymers, called “glycopolymers”, in the lab both to better understand biological processes and also to develop potential therapeutics. However, most methods to prepare these molecules are costly and time consuming.

Near the end of every maple syrup harvest season, the syrup can acquire an unpalatable off-flavour called ?buddy?. Buddy flavor cannot be detected in the maple sap prior to processing into syrup, often resulting in loss of income, and unnecessary cost in materials to produce the syrup. This proposal seeks to develop a low-cost field test to be used by maple syrup producers for the detection of compounds that are linked to the development of the buddy flavor. This will be accomplished by developing special receptors, known as aptamers, for these compounds.

The next generation metal-based anodes will play a decisive role in the development of not only Lithium-ion batteries, but also the renewable energy sector. This research project is anticipated to improve the cycle life of existing Tin-based anodes and bring them one step closer to commercialization. Our objective is to identify, isolate, and mitigate factors that decrease the cycle life of metal-based anodes, and improve the cycle life by modifying the anode structure. The success of this project will accelerate the technology commercialization of the partner organization.

Lithium-ion batteries have a profound success in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and many other energy storage applications. However, explosion accidents frequently occur worldwide due to the flammable electrolytes inside. Superionics Inc. is aiming at solving the safety hazard of Li-based batteries. In this project, HQPs will develop non-flammable composite electrolytes, that can fundamentally eliminate the combustion risk. They will also work on high-capacity electrode materials that can couple with composite solid electrolyte.

Electrochemical sensors for monitoring dissolved oxygen levels are commonplace in industrial, researchand regulatory labs. The industrial partner?s commercialized device is capable of real-time monitoring ofO2 at parts-per-billion levels but is interested in reformulating the electrode materials to remove heavymetals, thereby minimizing negative environmental impact and ensuring sustainability of the technology.This project will measure and document the characteristics of candidates to replace the heavy metals inthe electrodes while ensuring continued operation at necessary.

Metabolomics is a rapidly growing field involved in detecting and characterizing all the metabolites present in a biological system such as blood, urine, cells and tissues. Metabolomics has been increasingly used in many different areas of applications, including the discovery of metabolite biomarkers for early diagnosis or prognosis of diseases, holistic study of biological systems (often in combination with genomics and proteomics), developing improved strains of crops or plants for increasing yields with higher tolerance to cold and resistance to drought or insect pests, etc.