Graphene-based quantum materials for environmental applications

This Mitacs Globalink Research Award will support a research collaboration involving Imen Hemmedi, a PhD student working in the group of Dr. Nabila Bitri at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Tunis and Prof. Jean-Michel Ménard at the University of Ottawa. The project focuses on leveraging the unique properties of quantum materials to explore innovative techniques addressing timely challenges in the fields of environmental monitoring and pollution control. This internship is perfectly aligned with the intern’s previous expertise in graphene-based materials and thin film fabrication and builds on advanced material characterization infrastructure at uOttawa to pursue a scalable and economically viable solution to environmental issues.
The interdisciplinary project combines thin film fabrication of quantum materials and their use in gas sensing and photocatalysis processes. A scalable spray pyrolysis deposition technique for graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide will be implemented to produce gas sensors with high sensitivity and unique selectivity properties. We will also study the chemical storage capacity of these graphene-based materials, hence supporting Canada’s net-zero emissions goal. A time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy technique will be used to quantify the performances of these quantum materials for applications in environmental remediation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Michel Ménard

Student:

Partner:

École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tunis

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Environmental Science and Technology; Quantum Science

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: