Innovative Projects Realized

Hydrogen Storage in Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials: Characterization

In this project, we will develop solid-state hydrogen storage materials for the potential applications of fuel cell electric vehicles. Based on the most cutting-edge achievements in related fields, two categories of two-dimensional layered nanomaterials are proposed. Their hydrogen storage capabilities will be elaborated by in-depth characterization of material structure and hydrogen storage properties. Moreover, we will employ various modification methods, such as defect engineering, catalytic element decoration and surface area expansion, to optimize storage properties in terms of capacity, storage temperature and pressure. The mechanism for the property improvement will also be interpreted fundamentally. Knowledge about the characteristics of 2-D layered hydrogen storage nanomaterials will be systematically established at our SFU based hydrogen technology laboratory. To the interest of our industry partner, several promising hydrogen storage materials with large capacity at ambient temperature and low pressure will be developed and verified for commercial applications.

Hydrogen Storage in Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials: Synthesis – Year Two

The objective of the proposed research is to investigate novel solid-state materials that have potential for hydrogen storage applications in fuel cell electric vehicles. Of interest are materials that can store hydrogen at ambient conditions and low pressures, have high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen capacities, and can be safely packed into a hydrogen storage tank for automotive use. The research will focus on assessing the feasibility of threedimensional structures consisting of two-dimensional layered nanomaterials such as graphene as viable media to store hydrogen. This research agenda brings together proven expertise in nanomaterials, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells at Simon Fraser University with leading technical expertise at Hydrogen in Motion (H2M). The most promising nanomaterials resulting will be considered for next generation hydrogen fuel tank solutions developed by H2M, which may further promote the market proposition for “zero-emission” fuel cell electric vehicles and contribute to Canada’s leadership in the automotive industry.

Hydrogen Storage in Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials: Synthesis

The objective of the proposed research is to investigate novel solid-state materials that have potential for hydrogen storage applications in fuel cell electric vehicles. Of interest are materials that can store hydrogen at ambient conditions and low pressures, have high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen capacities, and can be safely packed into a hydrogen storage tank for automotive use. The research will focus on assessing the feasibility of threedimensional structures consisting of two-dimensional layered nanomaterials such as graphene as viable media to store hydrogen. This research agenda brings together proven expertise in nanomaterials, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells at Simon Fraser University with leading technical expertise at Hydrogen in Motion (H2M). The most promising nanomaterials resulting will be considered for next generation hydrogen fuel tank solutions developed by H2M, which may further promote the market proposition for “zero-emission” fuel cell electric vehicles and contribute to Canada’s leadership in the automotive industry.

Development of an advanced modeling platform for assessing chemical and mechanicalmembrane durability in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells – Year Two

Hydrogen powered polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a clean energy technology that generates electricity without harmful emissions at the point of use. To accelerate commercialization, current R&D efforts mainly target reduced cost and increased lifetime. The proposed research project addresses both aspects by developing a unified chemical and mechanical modeling platform for evaluating membrane durability in PEMFCs. The core validation is based on extensive test and field data provided by our industry partner, Ballard Power Systems. The validated modeling platform will be integrated into Ballard’s modeling portfolio and applied to predict membrane life as a function of fuel cell design, materials, and operating conditions, which is critical in facilitating and accelerating the development of enhanced membrane durability PEMFC products.

Development of an advanced modeling platform for assessing chemical and mechanical membrane durability in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Hydrogen powered polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a clean energy technology that generates electricity without harmful emissions at the point of use. To accelerate commercialization, current R&D efforts mainly target reduced cost and increased lifetime. The proposed research project addresses both aspects by developing a unified chemical and mechanical modeling platform for evaluating membrane durability in PEMFCs. The core validation is based on extensive test and field data provided by our industry partner, Ballard Power Systems. The validated modeling platform will be integrated into Ballard’s modeling portfolio and applied to predict membrane life as a function of fuel cell design, materials, and operating conditions, which is critical in facilitating and accelerating the development of enhanced membrane durability PEMFC products.

User Characterization and Content Personalization Using DistributedLocality Sensitive Hashing over a Peer-to-Peer Network

Multimedia data are of huge demand from “connected” consumers and how to deliver them ‘ ‘

effectively and efficiently becomes the new frontier of computer networking research’and

development. The proposed project utilizes the research at the University of Victoria on

content-based musical information retrieval and the development at Disternet Inc’ on a new,

generation of home gateway devices to enable efficient and effective user characterization

and content personalization using distributed locality sensitive hashing over a peer-to-peer

network. The research and development is expected to drastically reduce the cost for service

providers and network operators to deliver high-quality multimedia contents to end users, and

at the same time allows graduate students to use their research to solve real-world problems,

Metagenomics to assess impacts of the Mount Polley Mine tailings dam breach onassociated ecosystems

The Mount Polley tailings impoundment failure released 24 million m3 of mine-influenced water and sediment into the surrounding watershed. The scale of this spill is unprecedented in BC history, and the effects on current and future ecosystems are unknown. Of paramount concern is the containment of toxic metal-containing compounds that threaten aquatic life. My research addresses the role of wetlands and riparian soils in remediation of this spill. I established permanent monitoring sites under a Mitacs Accelerate award to track the progression of contaminants throughout the watershed. Extension of this work will allow us to track responses of these ecosystems to physical and chemical stress, and conduct a bioaugmentation trial to determine the best approaches for remediation. Our research outcomes will provide Imperial Metals with a clearer understanding of the effects of the spill and will inform Imperial Metal’s decisions on how best to stimulate ecosystem recovery
.

The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors in Craniofacial Pain – Year Two

Pain in the craniofacial region is one of the more complex and difficult to treat conditions for patients and clinicians. Current treatments are complicated by limited efficacy and considerable side effects. Many of these conditions show greater prevalence in women than men, but there is a lack of basic research utilizing female animals. Recent advances
in cannabinoid pharmacology have renewed hope in cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain. However, whether the endocannabinoid system can be recruited to treat specific craniofacial pain conditions remains unclear. Here we propose to investigate the role of cannabinoid receptors in three animal models of chronic craniofacial pain conditions including neuropathic pain, muscle pain and arthritis of the jaw joint in the female rats. InMed Pharmaceuticals is currently developing cannabis-based therapies for pain and the result of this study will help them to identify new potential markets as well as guide future research directions.

The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors in Craniofacial Pain

Pain in the craniofacial region is one of the more complex and difficult to treat conditions for patients and clinicians. Current treatments are complicated by limited efficacy and considerable side effects. Many of these conditions show greater prevalence in women than men, but there is a lack of basic research utilizing female animals. Recent advances
in cannabinoid pharmacology have renewed hope in cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain. However, whether the endocannabinoid system can be recruited to treat specific craniofacial pain conditions remains unclear. Here we propose to investigate the role of cannabinoid receptors in three animal models of chronic craniofacial pain conditions including neuropathic pain, muscle pain and arthritis of the jaw joint in the female rats. InMed Pharmaceuticals is currently developing cannabis-based therapies for pain and the result of this study will help them to identify new potential markets as well as guide future research directions.

Investigation of new analytical approaches relating to Dried Blood Spot samples collectedon collection cards and analysed by GC/MS based detection

The current approach for testing compounds of interest in blood such as drugs or nutrients involves drawing blood samples into vials that then require refrigeration prior to testing. Since transportation to remote laboratories is challenging, people need to go into medical labs to have their blood tested. This research will develop improved techniques that enable blood samples to be collected from a finger prick onto a specially designed card that eliminates biohazards and makes the sample stable at room temperature so that it could be mailed or sent by courier to a lab. This work will develop collection cards for other samples such as wine or juice. Furthermore, new approaches will be developed that allow solid samples such as tissues or food samples to be extracted onto cards for convenient analysis on DBS automated analysers. In short this research will improve access to blood testing and other materials.

Data Mining of Urban Mobility Pattern Using Taxi Trajectory Data

Urban mobility results from human movements from one region to another for interaction such as working, trading goods and other social events. Urban mobility has caused not only urban prosperity, but also some problems in the urban system, such as congestion, air pollution, energy consumption, public health and disease transmission. Therefore, understanding urban mobility is very important for urban planning and management. Urban mobility usually has certain patterns such as origin-destination pattern and spatio-temporal pattern. This project aims to discover the potential mobility patterns based on taxi trajectory data from Shenzhen city, China. Firstly, the entire city is partitioned into several regions. The functions of each region will be studied using a statistical method, and be represented as a vector; Secondly, regions will be clustered into several categories, and regions with similar functions will be grouped together, and finally it aims to discover frequent origin-destination pattern among regions and spatiotemporal pattern based on the probability distribution of taxi pick-up time and location.

Algorithme de jumelage multimodal pour l’optimisation des options de covoiturage dynamique de la plateforme Netlift

Pour faire face à la congestion en milieu urbain, de plus en plus de citoyens se tournent vers le covoiturage pour permettre de partager leurs véhicules pour effectuer des déplacements vers leur lieu de travail. Il existe des plateformes web permettant aux gens de trouver des itinéraires communs, mais ces sites sont limités, car il est rare de trouver deux personnes qui ont une origine et une destination vraiment communes. Dans ce projet, nous proposons de développer, en collaboration avec l’entreprise Netlift, un algorithme d’appariement conducteur-passager dynamique prenant en compte la multimodalité des déplacements. Ainsi, l’algorithme proposera des possibilités de jumelage en temps réel, non seulement sur le réseau routier (en voiture), mais également sur le réseau de transport en commun et d’autres services de transport