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Project title

n/a

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Michael A Morris

Project Abstract

Nanostructured and nanodimensioned materials (largely in the form of nanoparticulates) have environmental impact in two ways. Firstly as active components of environmental technologies, secondly as waste materials from manufacturing processing/energy generation/transport. There are concerns about the impact of nanoparticles on health associated with size and shape as well as chemical composition. Characterisation on the nanoscale is thus a sine qua non for environmental research. Electron microscopy (EM) and in particular scanning EM (SEM) provides a simple means of imaging nanoparticles and nanostructured materials. Coupled to x-ray analysis, elemental analysis on the nanoscale is also possible. However, SEM has a number of disadvantages for analysing many nanoparticles (NPs). The most important of these relate to: a) the high vacuum used in the EM coupled to local heating which can lead to significant damage to delicate samples, b) the high vacuum meant that wet, oily and dirty samples could not be investigated, c) the charging of insulating samples under electron beams which prevents analysis without extensive sample preparation and d) poor image quality for samples which fluoresce or luminesce under electron beams. In the mid 1980s environmental SEM (ESEM) was developed to allow investigation of samples in their natural state. This innovation meant that it became possible to image and provide a comprehensive chemical analysis of wet, oil bearing, or insulating materials. For the first time polymers, biological samples, plants, bacteria and liquid suspensions could be examined without extensive specimen preparation and in the presence of vapour and ambient at near atmospheric pressures.These facilities are not available in Cork and whilst available elsewhere (TCD), the delicate nature of samples, the need to carry out on-site rapid analysis, ease/cost of external as well as the projected use makes the purchase of this equipment in Cork a necessity. The instrument sought is a JSM-6490LV Scanning Electron Microscope for low vacuum and environmental analysis (complete details appended). Resolution details are: 3.0 nm at 30 kV, 8 nm at 3.0 kV and 15 nm at 1 kV. The apparatus comes with a dedicated environmental/biological samples stage allowing cooling. A full 5-axis motor-drive stage is included for complete sample manipulation. The apparatus also allows liquid analysis through the use of specially designed capsules. Full details are provided below. This equipment will provide very significant impetus to our existing projects and for programmes currently being developed. It will service a number of researchers in the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in Cork and in UCC/CIT. The machine will augment the facilities being developed in the ERI for environmental materials analysis and allow extended collaboration with research centres and commercial companies. We believe this is a large infrastructural deficit that should be addressed at the earliest opportunity.

Grant Approved

�187,232.00

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

26/03/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

27/03/2008