Objective
This proposal aims to apply advanced electron microscopy techniques to the study of magnetic nanocomposite materials, in particular sol-gel prepared FeCo oxide and alloy nanoparticles in silica and alumina matrices, which are promising for magnetic applica tions. These materials have previously been studied using detailed X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements (in which the researcher was involved). However, there remain questions about variations in homogeneity of the nanoparticles, and the nature of surface oxide layers. Resolving these issues is central to understanding the material and apos;s behaviour, and advanced electron microscopy techniques are ideally suited for this. High resolution electron microscopy (HREM) of crystal grains will be used to observe differences between nanoparticles and to identify surface oxide layers. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) will be used to probe composition, oxidation state, and oxdie phases on the nm-scale. Finally energy filtered imaging will combin e spatial and spectroscopic information to map variations in homogeneity on nm-scale. These will be state of the art measurements, making use of the host and apos;s excellent microscopy facility, and providing extremely valuable augmentation of the resear cher and apos;s expertise in structural characterisation of novel materials.
Fields of science
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5
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