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Chemical Engineering 2025

CHEM 001: MWCNTs in solar energy harvesting and separation processes (Coulombe)

Professor Sylvain Coulombe

sylvain.coulombe [at] mcgill.ca
514 398 5213
听
Research Area
Nanomaterials, renewable energy, sustainable processes
Description
Due to their high-surface area, ease of chemical functionalization and stability, and excellent mechanical properties, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly used for renewable energy harvesting and conversion, as well as in separation technologies. In this exploratory summer research project, we will investigate the possibility of performing solar energy-driven distillation/separation from various water-based solutions. The thermal behaviour of the MWCNTs under solar irradiation will be studied in their as-grown condition as well as when dispersed in the solution. The SURE intern will also learn how to synthesize and functionalize MWCNTs, disperse them in solution, and design/build simple experimental setups for proof-of-concept technology demonstrations.
Tasks per student
- MWCNT synthesis and functionalization
- MWCNT dispersion
- Design/contruction of simple experimental setup
- Experiments with solar simulator, thermal profile measurements
- Some chemical analyses

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Deliverables per student
A simple experimental setup and preliminary data to assess the potential of a solar-driven separation system.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 2

Location of project

听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听in-person

CHEM 002: Design of self-assembling chromoproteins as sustainable alternatives for fabric dyes (Dorval Courchesne)

Professor No茅mie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne

noemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca
514-398-4301
Research Area

Biotechnology, biomaterials, advanced materials
Description
The textile industry is a major environmental polluter. Textile production involves substantial water and land use, as well as components to synthesize fibers sourced from fossil fuels. The demand for fast-fashion has also led to increased production of clothing and disposal of damaged clothes. In addition, textile dyes contain several non-biodegradable compounds, which, once release in the environment, can lead to adverse health effects in humans. As an alternative to synthetic dyes, a class of proteins that can produce strong visible colors under ambient light has emerged. These chromoproteins can be expressed in microbial cells and employed to produce biologically-derived colored materials. This project will explore the possibility of genetically constructing self-assembling chromoprotein materials, by genetically fusing previously characterized chromoproteins with self-assembling amyloid fibers. Amyloid fibers can be processed as hydrogels, thin films and nano/micro-fibers, thus enabling the formation of macroscopic colored materials when fused with chromoproteins. These protein materials could serve as sustainable replacements for synthetic textile fibers.
Tasks per student
The student will be involved in all steps of the design and production of chromoproteins:
- Genetic engineering of fusion proteins
- Expression in microbial cells and isolation of the proteins
- Characterization of optical and mechanical properties of the protein fibers
- Integration of the proteins within textiles or other functional materials

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Deliverables per student
- A short presentation during group meeting at the end of the summer
- A final report including all relevant protocols and results
- All data files
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听in-person

CHEM 003: Release kinetics of microencapsulated antibacterial agents using ICP-OES (Girard-Lauriault)

Professor Pierre-Luc听Girard-Lauriault

pierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca
4383984006
听
Research Area
Nanocomposites
Description
This project investigates the microencapsulation of an active antibacterial agent using a coacervation method and the subsequent analysis of release kinetics through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Microencapsulation provides a robust delivery mechanism by creating a porous shell around the active agent resulting in a slow and controlled release. This technology has various applications in healthcare and environmental science.
The first part of this project will focus on refining the coacervation process to enhance encapsulation efficiency, particle uniformity, and stability of the microcapsules. Key parameters such as shell polymer concentration, agitation speed, and particles porosity will be systematically varied and analyzed to achieve optimal microcapsules. The second phase involves studying the release kinetics of the encapsulated antibacterial agents in controlled environments. Release kinetics studies will be performed using ICP-OES, which offers high sensitivity for detecting elemental species of the active agent. The data will be used to identify release mechanisms, and to fit kinetic models that provide insights into the functionality of the encapsulation system.
This project integrates materials science, analytical chemistry, and process optimization, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding and improving microencapsulation technology. The work has potential applications in designing advanced antibacterial systems for medical devices, composite coatings, and environmental remediation.
Tasks per student
1. Perform a literature review
2. Design experiments
3. Prepare encapsulated agents
4. Analyse release kinetics

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Deliverables per student
1. Optimized Microencapsulation Process 鈥� Develop a reproducible coacervation protocol for encapsulating antibacterial agents, focusing on maximizing encapsulation efficiency, achieving uniform particle size, and ensuring stability of the microcapsules. Particles can be analyzed using a bench-top SEM.
2. Release Kinetics Analysis - Quantitative analysis of the release profiles of antibacterial agents from porous microcapsules using ICP-OES, including the identification of key release parameters (e.g., initial burst release, sustained release phase) and fitting the data to kinetic models to understand the release mechanisms.
3. Comprehensive Documentation - A detailed report summarizing the optimized encapsulation process, experimental results of release studies, and insights into the relationship between process parameters and release behavior, with potential recommendations for future applications.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 in-person

CHEM 004: Impedance spectroscopy of microgel-doped gels and layer-by-layer deposited thin films (as models of heterogeneous soft ionics).听(Hill)

Professor Reghan Hill

reghan.hill [at] mcgill.ca
5142689665
听
Research Area
Advanced Materials and Soft Matter
Description
Ion transport in gels is of fundamental importance to a wide variety of applications, from biological tissues to drug delivery vehicles, batteries and fuel cells. Our group is developing novel theoretical (continuum electrokinetic) models and experimental platforms for predicting and interpreting electrical currents in these soft, heterogeneous polyelectrolytes. In this project, the student/s will apply an impedance spectroscopy platform developed in 2024 for uniform and foamed hydrogels to heterogeneous gels doped with micro-gel spheres and/or thin layer-by-layer deposited films (using a robotic apparatus).

References:

Hill, R.J., Impedance spectra of soft ionics, Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 987 , 25 May 2024 , A21.

Amir Sina Nassirian, Jacob Miller, Mohammed Skaik, and Reghan J. Hill, Complex conductivity spectra of non-porous and porous hydrogels, Manuscript under review, available upon request, 2024.
Tasks per student
The student/s will develop a protocol to synthesize and purify micro-gel spheres and disperse them in a continuous hydrogel phase, exercising control over the dispersed-phase size and relative polyelectrolyte charge density. These soft nanocomposites/ionics will then be subjected to impedance spectroscopy to assess how the complex conductivity responds to changes in the microstructure. Depending on progress in the winter 2025 term, the student/s may also benefit from a robotic platform for building-up layer-by-layer films from cationic and anionic polyelectrolyte solutions, subjecting these to impedance spectroscopy, similarly to the micro-gel nanocomposites.

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Deliverables per student
An experimental protocol and laboratory demonstration for the synthesis of micro-gel spheres, and micro-gel-sphere-doped hydrogel nanocomposites, and measurement of complete conductivity spectra using impedance spectroscopy. Experience in working with gels and soft polymer systems will be a benefit, as will a keen desire to publish the work in peer reviewed literature (as undertaken in 2024).
Number of positions

2

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 in-person

CHEM 005: AI/ML augmented material property prediction (Huberman)

Professor Samuel Huberman

samuel.huberman [at] mcgill.ca
514-398-4264
Research Area
AI/ML and Computational Materials Science
Description
The ability to predict material properties in-silico from first principles has become a popular technique and promises to contribute to critical scientific and engineering breakthroughs. However, these calculations remain computationally expensive and scale poorly with the number of degrees of freedom. With this in mind, it is natural to ask how recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) may be leveraged to improve the efficiency of these types of material property prediction calculations. The goal of this project will be to study in what ways AI/ML can be inserted into the pipeline of predicting thermal conductivity from first principle calculations. We will develop training sets that can then be used to build efficient representations of interatomic potentials and use sampling accelerated prediction to reduce the computation cost required to predict thermal conductivity in large unit cell materials.


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Tasks per student
-Writing code
-Running density functional theory calculations
-Analyzing performance of different AI/ML techniques

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Deliverables per student
Incorporate AI/ML techniques into our first-principles pipeline.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

hybrid remote/in-person - a) students must have a Canadian bank account and b) all students must participate in in-person poster session.

CHEM 006: Biomimetic ice-shedding surfaces - assessing the reduction in heating energy required for facile ice removal (Kietzig)

Professor Anne-Marie Kietzig

anne.kietzig [at] mcgill.ca

5143983302
Research Area
surface engineering, advanced materials, energy
Description
In recent years we have shown that penguin feathers have interesting anti-wetting and anti-icing behaviour which can serve as inspiration for sustainable industrial applications in need for alike surface properties. In particular alike biomimicry is relevant to aerospace and utility infrastructure in northern climates. In this project, we want to assess by how much heating energy can be reduced when removing ice from heated biomimetic substrates in comparison to standard surfaces.
Tasks per student
This project will involve:

- designing a heating setup for the existing ice adhesion setup
- programming the necessary controls
- calibration of the new design with individual water drops, small and large ice column moulds
- ice adhesion measurements with existing metallic standard substrates
- experimentation with novel dielectric substrates

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Deliverables per student
relevant safety trainings, experimental plans to carry out research tasks, weekly research reports, presentation of research results at group meetings
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 2

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 007: Catalyst development for (1) CO2 capture and hydrogenation and (2) direct methanol conversion to olefins. (Kopyscinski)

Professor Jan听Kopyscinski

jan.kopyscinski [at] mcgill.ca

514 434 5012

/cppe/
Research Area
Catalysis and reaction engineering.
Description
Catalytic and Plasma Process Engineering (CPPE) laboratory is engaged in the development and understanding of catalyzed processes and reactor engineering concepts dedicated to sustainable energy conversion technologies. Within this project, the student in collaboration with a PhD student will focus on the synthesis of novel catalysts for (1) CO2 capture and subsequent hydrogenation to renewable natural gas - CH4, and (2) for direct methanol conversion to olefins.

The UG student will work closely together with PhD student and develop, synthesize, characterize new catalysts as well as to test them in our catalytic reactors.
Tasks per student
1. Literature review
2. Catalyst preparation (impregnation, solvotherm method, ...)
3. Catalyst characterization (BET, chemisorption, TPR, TPD,...)
4. Catalyst activity measurements (Fixed bed reactor, TGA)
5. Data analysis

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Deliverables per student
Biweekly progress updates during group meetings. Final report and presentation
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 008: Development of a variable gravity vascular simulator (Leask)

Professor Richard Leask

richard.leask [at] mcgill.ca

5143984270
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Research Area
Biomechanics and Design
Description
A platform system for vascular mechanobiology studies in space is being developed to understand the cardiovascular risks of space flight. A zero-g parabolic flight has been completed on the beta version that investigated the impact of variable gravity on carotid bifurcation hemodynamics. The project will require a good knowledge of fluid mechanics to design an incubated system suitable for cell culture in the next stage of the project. Design and instrumentation experience will be an asset.
Tasks per student
-CAD modeling and fabrication
-CFD simulations of models
-Model fabrication and design
-Preliminary endothelial cell culture experiments (in the lab)

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Deliverables per student
At the end of the project, the second version of the platform system should be assembled and ready to test in a parabolic flight.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 009: Microfluidic systems for tissue engineering and cellular analysis (Moraes)

Professor Christopher Moraes

chris.moraes [at] mcgill.ca
514.398.4278
Research Area
Biomedical Engineering
Description
Biological cells are extremely responsive to their surroundings, and understanding these cell-environment interactions is critical in (1) designing replacement tissues, (2) building new drug-screening platforms, or (3) creating bioinspired sustainable materials. In this project, we will investigate microfluidic and microscale materials development strategies to guide biological cells towards these specialized functions. Projects can involve a variety of specialized fabrication techniques, including biomaterial synthesis, cleanroom-based microfabrication, microfluidic device development, and laser machining. In addition, the student will develop cell culture, microscopy, and image analysis skills. Ultimately the goal of implementing microscale control over these tissues is to help us understand the design rules that govern biological materials, and then leverage that understanding for societal benefit.

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Tasks per student
The student will gain experience in advanced biofabrication, materials characterization, cell culture, and microscopy techniques. More broadly, this project will require students to work across disciplines and collaborate closely with materials scientists, engineers, and biologists. Solving these broad problems requires highly-motivated, independent and driven individuals, who are unafraid to learn new fields and try new techniques

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Deliverables per student
Regular meetings and updates throughout the summer with prof. and grad student mentors; Short data presentations for the research group; one formal presentation at the end of the summer; lab notebook; project report or journal publication depending on progress made.
Number of positions

2

Academic Level

Year 2

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 010:听Electrochemical Degradation of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) (Omanovic/Yargeau)

Professor Sasha Omanovic & Viviane Yargeau

sasha.omanovic [at] mcgill.ca
514 398-4273
/yargeau3cs/
Research Area
Electrochemistry - wastewater treatment
Description
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a growing environmental and public health concern due to their remarkable persistence in the environment and their associated toxicological risks. As a result, significant attention has been directed towards the development of methods for removal of PFAS from water and wastewater. Among the most promising methods are advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this context, electrochemical degradation techniques have gained considerable interest due to their ability to break down PFAS in a more controlled and efficient manner.

Our laboratory has recently demonstrated that GenX, a particular PFAS, can be degraded not only through electrooxidation but also through electroreduction, a process that has received limited attention. In addition, much of the current research has focused on the degradation of individual PFAS compounds, and there is a notable lack of studies exploring the simultaneous electrochemical degradation of a mixture of PFAS molecules, which is more representative of real-world contamination scenarios.

To address these gaps, the SURE project will investigate the electrochemical degradation of a selected mixture of PFAS compounds, and the primary objective is to evaluate the efficiency of electrochemical degradation in both oxidative and reductive modes, assessing the relative contributions of each process in breaking down PFAS contaminants. Through this work, we aim to provide new insights into the feasibility of electrochemical techniques for the treatment of complex PFAS mixtures, contributing to the development of more effective and scalable solutions for mitigating PFAS pollution in the environment.
Tasks per student
- Literature review
- Safety training
- Prepare an experimental plan
- Assemble an experimental setup
- Conduct experiments
- Data collection and analysis
- Optimization of the electrochemical degradation process
- Report the experimental findings at biweekly research-group meetings
- Submit a final SURE report to the supervisors

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Deliverables per student
- Literature review summary
-Experimental protocols and methods
- Data collection and analysis
- Short biweekly reports (PowerPoint presentation or written document)
- Final research report and recommendation for future work
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 011: Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 and Organic Chemicals into Value-Added Products (Seifitokaldani)

Professor Ali听Seifitokaldani

ali.seifitokaldani [at] mcgill.ca
5143984866
Research Area
Electrocatalysis: CO2 reduction reaction, CO reduction reaction, organic compounds oxidation
Description
Students will work on CO(2) reduction reaction or organic compound oxidation projects under direct supervision of a postdoc or PhD student in the lab. They will acquire experience in materials synthesis, electrochemical measurements, chemical analysis using GC and HPLC and NMR, and potentially materials characterization.
Tasks per student
Preparing catalysts and electrodes, running electrochemical tests, running chemical analysis using GC, HPLC, and NMR (if needed), data acquisition and analysis, attending and presenting in the weekly group meetings, regularly meeting with their mentor in the lab.

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Deliverables per student
Presentation in the group meetings, being involved in writing for any potential publications, a final report.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

in-person听

CHEM 012:听Design of poly(myrcene) vitrimers via dynamic imine exchange听(Maric)

Professor Milan Maric

milan.maric [at] mcgill.ca

514-398-4272
Research Area
Polymers
Description
The undergraduate student will be contributing towards developing a novel bio-based methacrylic functional monomer derived from vanillin along with a flexible bio-based diene monomer, myrcene, an alternative to petro-based dienes like isoprene and butadiene. However, we found that poly(myrcene) was considerable weaker compared to poly(isoprene) or poly(butadiene), due to its comparatively higher entanglement weight due to its longer side chain. To compensate for this, we employed vitrimer chemistry with dynamic covalent bonding via vinylogous urethane formation 鈥� permitting the rubber to behave like a cross-linked thermoset at service temperature, but capable of flow and recycling under relatively mild thermal stimulus. We have used vanillin methacrylate (VMA) with other flexible monomers but not with myrcene to form vitrimeric rubbery materials. The student will examine how to use VMA/myrcene copolymers with small molecule diamines to form dynamic imine bonds and compare to our previous studies. The student will initially learn and perform simple binary copolymerization of VMA with myrcene to yield statistical copolymers while also employing copolymerization models to determine reactivity ratios and predict final copolymer microstructure and recommend compositions for targeted mechanical properties. Tensile and impact strength will be also performed near the conclusion of the project. The student will learn synthetic techniques, apply characterization tools and report the mechanical properties of various compositions.
Tasks per student
The student will learn how to synthesize and characterize a vanillin functional monomer to be used in subsequent experiments.
The student will learn copolymerization techniques and apply models to predict copolymer microstructure.
The student will apply dynamic covalent bonding to form vitrimeric polymer systems and analyze exchange reactions using spectroscopy and swelling/solubility experiments.
The student will test for recycling/reprocessing ability.

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Deliverables per student
The student will deliver a package consisting of copolymer/crosslinker compositions employing dynamic covalent bonding using dynamic imine exchange and present the results orally and in written form to the research group.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

Year 3

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 013: Exploring Water Phase Transitions: Rheological Insights into Ice and Gas Hydrate Systems for Energy and Safety Applications (Servio)

Professor Phillip Servio

phillip.servio [at] gmail.com
514.398.1026
Research Area
Energy and Materials
Description

Water is one of nature鈥檚 most vital compounds, underpinning life and playing a pivotal role in numerous energy and safety-related processes. Under specific thermodynamic conditions and in the presence of appropriate components, water undergoes two critical phase transitions: the formation of ice and gas hydrates. These transformations have profound implications for modern infrastructure and energy systems.

Ice accretion poses a severe hazard to infrastructure such as aircraft, ships, offshore oil platforms, wind turbines, and telecommunications and power transmission lines. This phenomenon jeopardizes structural integrity and endangers operators and civilians. Conversely, gas hydrates offer a promising alternative to meet the world鈥檚 growing energy demands. These naturally occurring structures contain vast reserves of energy, primarily in the form of natural gas, far surpassing conventional carbon-based resources.

This project employs rheometry to gain unique insights into the flow behavior of water, both in its liquid state and as a slurry containing soft solids like ice and gas hydrates. Understanding these properties is essential for designing safe, economical, and environmentally responsible systems to manage ice and hydrate formation. Additionally, this research will support efforts to harness methane hydrates as a sustainable energy resource.

A novel approach will be undertaken to explore the influence of nanomaterial surfaces and polymeric additives on ice and gas hydrate formation. The objective is to elucidate how these additives and surfaces affect the rheological properties of water as it transitions into ice or hydrates. The findings have the potential to advance Canada鈥檚 leadership in de-icing technologies, natural gas recovery, storage, and transportation.

Tasks per student
The student must possess a strong foundation in multi-phase thermodynamics and crystallization processes. They will design and conduct experiments focused on ice and gas hydrate nucleation, both under atmospheric and high-pressure conditions, and measure rheological properties. The research will examine factors such as the degree of sub-cooling and the addition of inhibitors, which influence the rheology of these phase transitions. While collaborating with a graduate student, the student is expected to work independently and diligently on the project.

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Deliverables per student
The student will collect and analyze experimental data for submission to their supervisor. They may also contribute to the preparation of a manuscript, potentially leading to a publication.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 014: Hydrogen Storage: Advanced Computational Modeling for Sustainable Energy Solutions (Servio)

Professor Phillip Servio

phillip.servio [at] gmail.com

514.398.1026
Research Area
Energy & Materials
Description
The growing global energy demand and geopolitical uncertainties in oil-producing regions highlight the urgent need for sustainable and alternative energy solutions. Gas hydrates, crystalline compounds known as clathrates, offer a compelling pathway to address these challenges. These structures form when water molecules create a hydrogen-bonded network that encloses gas or volatile liquid molecules, stabilizing the hydrate through weak van der Waals forces.

Gas hydrates are recognized for their dual significance: as a potential energy source and as an innovative medium for hydrogen storage. Naturally occurring methane hydrates, abundant beneath permafrost zones and subsea sediments, contain more organic carbon than all known reserves combined, including fossil fuels, soil, peat, and living organisms. Canada, with its favorable conditions for gas hydrate formation, is uniquely positioned to lead global research, development, and exploitation in this field.

Moreover, gas hydrates hold promise for hydrogen storage, a cornerstone of clean energy technologies. Hydrogen鈥檚 increasing demand as a sustainable energy carrier and feedstock in catalytic processes such as steam methane reforming makes hydrates a highly attractive storage medium. Leveraging hydrates for compact and efficient hydrogen storage can significantly contribute to reducing environmental impacts and accelerating the energy transition.

This research program utilizes advanced computational modeling techniques to deepen our understanding of hydrate properties and behaviors. By employing both the SIESTA and VASP computational platforms, the study aims to model the fundamental interactions and stability of hydrate structures. The research will focus on the three primary hydrate crystal structures (SI, SII, and SH) and investigate the effects of various guest molecules, such as methane, carbon dioxide, propane, hydrogen, and their mixtures. These insights will be instrumental in designing safe, economical, and environmentally responsible processes for exploiting methane hydrates as an energy source and advancing hydrogen storage technologies.
Tasks per student
The student should possess a strong foundation in multi-phase thermodynamics, crystallization processes, and programming. Proficiency in computational modeling is essential, as the project involves using both the SIESTA and VASP software packages to simulate hydrate behavior. The student will work collaboratively with a graduate student while demonstrating the ability to work independently and diligently.

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Deliverables per student
The student will collect and analyze computational data, providing essential insights to advance the project objectives. Data and findings will be submitted to the supervisor for review. The student may also contribute to writing portions of a manuscript, potentially leading to a publication.
Number of positions

2

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 015: Assessing microplastics and nanoplastics pollution in natural and built environments (Tufenkji)

Professor Nathalie听Tufenkji

nathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca
5143982999
Research Area
Environment
Description
Plastic pollution poses a global threat to both natural (e.g., agricultural land) and built (e.g., indoor space) environments. Once released, bulk plastic items break down to microplastics (5 mm to 1 碌m) and nanoplastics (<1碌m) due to the exposure to environmental stressors. Addressing environmental plastic pollution requires advanced analytical techniques to measure microplastics and nanoplastics across diverse environmental matrices. This is a critical step towards effective regulatory actions, such as the proposed global plastic treaty.
Currently, microscopy imaging and spectroscopy techniques are widely used but are limited to detecting microplastics larger than 20 碌m, leaving the levels of environmental contamination by smaller microplastics and nanoplastics largely unknown. This project aims to utilize mass spectrometry techniques to overcome these analytical limitations. Mass spectrometry is particularly suitable for studying smaller microplastics (<20 碌m) and nanoplastics, assessing their environmental fate, and identifying contaminants associated with plastic degradation. Using the developed methods, the primary goal of this project is to evaluate the contamination levels of smaller microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural lands and indoor spaces, thereby contributing to the development of remediation strategies and regulatory policies.
Tasks per student
The student will be involved in developing and applying mass spectrometry techniques to analyze various types of microplastics generated from bulk items, such as biodegradable plastics, tire-wear particles, and microfibers from home textiles under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow. The student will receive training in advanced material characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for polymer identification, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for characterizing nanoplastics, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for analyzing environmental microplastics.

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Deliverables per student
A written report containing all relevant methods and results, as well as a brief literature review, will be submitted.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 016: Investigating the fate of nanoplastics derived from plastics used in agricultural soil (Tufenkji)

Professor Nathalie听Tufenkji

nathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca

5143982999
Research Area
Water and Environment
Description
The increased use of plastic in agriculture has motivated the scientific community to assess their potential impacts on terrestrial environments. Over time, these plastic products break down into microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. Recent studies have detected these small plastic particles in agricultural environments where crops are grown, raising concerns about food safety and environmental impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the fate and transport of microplastics and nanoplastics in terrestrial environments. Research often focuses on the larger microplastics, with fewer studies focused on the impact of the nanoplastic fraction. Furthermore, microplastics and nanoplastics used in many studies are not environmentally relevant. Hence, to fill these research gaps, this project aims to assess the transport of nanoplastics derived from plastics used in agriculture in terrestrial environments, such as soil from agricultural fields.
Tasks per student
The student will be trained in a range of nanotechnology and analytical/laboratory techniques. During the first month, the student will receive training to learn about nanoplastic dispersion and stabilization, determination of aggregate size via dynamic light scattering (DLS), characterization of nanoplastic surface charge via electrophoretic mobility, and assessment of nanoplastic mobility via laboratory column tests. After the training is completed, the student will be able to work more independently and gain exposure to various new areas, including colloidal chemistry, aggregation theory, and environmental nanotechnology.

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Deliverables per student
A written report containing all relevant methods and results, and a brief literature review will be submitted.
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project

in-person

CHEM 017: Plasma Surface functionalization of polyester textiles to improve adhesion of antibacterial finishes (Girard-Lauriault)

Professor Pierre-Luc听Girard-Lauriault

pierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca
5143984006
Research Area
Plasma Engineering
Description
Cold reactive plasmas (ionized gases produced by an electrical discharge) have been used in several applications, including lighting and thin film deposition. A currently innovative field of research is plasma interactions with liquids for decomposition, synthesis, or generation of active species. A particularly novel direction is the use of plasmas in interaction with organic liquids to perform the synthesis of useful small organic molecules.

The project will involve the investigations of a methodology for the preparation of plasma treated organic liquids and the characterization of the species produced. The candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity as well as maturity and autonomy.
Tasks per student
- Deposition of thin organic coatings on textiles using plasma technology.
- Surface analysis and characterization of the deposits
- Literature search

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Deliverables per student
Plasma deposited set of samples and their characterization
Number of positions

1

Academic Level

No preference

Location of project
in-person
Tags: 
Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Undergraduate Research
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