ZNML Lab

The Zeolitic & Nano Materials Laboratory at Western (ZNML-Western) provides expertise and houses facilities to carry out research on the production and control of the quality of crystalline porous nano materials materials including zeolitic like frame work materials such as MOFs, ZIFs, TiO2 nanotubes  (TNTs), TiO2 nano particles, photocatalyst,  etc. In addition, our group is concerned about  environmental application of nanomaterials as adsorbent ( e.g. CO2 Capturing and H2 Storage, air purification, separation), catalyst ( e.g. NOx Reduction, CO Oxidation, Biodiesel production)  and as a drug vehicle ( e.g.  Drug Loading, delivery and controlled  release).

The Zeolitic & Nano Materials Laboratory (ZNML) is open to provide professional  services on porous nanomaterials  research and development projects and also to promote research collaborations with industry. The Facility has many state-of-the-art instrument including laboratory Microwave, sonifier, super speed centrifuge, vacuum oven, programmable furnace, XRD, TGA, DSC, HPLC, GC/MS, FTIR, FT-Raman, UV-vis, particle size analyzers, BET surface area, etc.

About CPPL

The Zeolitic and Nano-Materials Laboratory (ZNML) was founded in 2009 with the objective of making a major contribution to nanotechnology in the 21st century from materials viewpoint. Thanks to the solid backbone and extensive experiences of the group’s members, the ZNML’s main objective is to develop a strong multidisciplinary foundation on novel nanomaterials particularly based on the zeolitic-like framework materials, which are the new generation of porous materials, with the aim of establishing a highly specified group on zeolitic materials in The University of Western Ontario.

To accomplish this mission, the ZNML has recently defined new projects on the synthesis, characterization, modification and applications of zeolitic like framework nano materials. Our goal is to develop advanced nano-catalysts and nano-adsorbents  mostly for applications in the Energy and Environmental friendly processes including  CO2-adsorption,  H2 -storage, NOx reduction, CO –oxidation, biodiesel, etc. We believe that Nano-materials are of value only when they are really used, thus the ZNML attaches importance to technology transfer to industry. ZNML  includes more than 15 researchers carrying out numerous research projects over a wide range of porous nano materials including: Developing of novel and techno-economically viable manufacturing techniques for production of Metal organic Framework (MOFs) and Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) materials. Many research results have been applied to the chemical, biochemical, environmental, materials, food and pharmaceutical industries. The group continues to be a leader in innovation and development of research projects and technologies that are of highest priority and relevance to some of today's leading industries. On average the ZNML members publish over 20 research papers a year.

In addition, the Zeolitic and Nano Materials Laboratory (ZNML)  was recently established to provide analytical services on porous nanomaterials research and development projects and also to promote research collaborations with industries and academia. The Facility has many state-of-the-art instrument including , Professional Laboratory Microwave(MW) and Sonifier (Ultrasonic) for material synthesis, Programmable Furnace, vacuum oven, Freeze Dryer, super speed centrifuge, XRD, TGA, DSC, HPLC, GC/MS, Malvern and Dry particle size analyzers, BET surface profiler etc. The Zeolitic and Nano Materials Laboratory (ZNML) provides an affordable and easy to access facility. Furthermore, ZNML is committed to offering advanced porous nano materials synthesis equipment and analytical instrumentation that are supported by a knowledgeable staffs, devoted to the highest quality of services. Furthermore, the aim of ZNML is to be an outstanding leader in providing  nano Material Characterization services through the provision of a consistent, superior quality services in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner.

We have several  ongoing projects on fabrication of  highly ordered and reproducible TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nano particles in order to modify their photo-electrical properties  either by doping or dye sensitization.