Objective The chief goal of the proposal is to study the phase transitions and polymerization of molecular solids under pressure, which is of fundamental importance for the physics and chemistry of geological/planetary processes and in searching for new materials with advanced properties. The calculations and simulations will be performed within the framework of ab initio methods based on density functional theory (DFT) and quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), together with other computational schemes including ab initio random structure searching (AIRSS) and metadynamics simulations. Two systems, hydrogen chloride (HCl) and carbon monoxide (CO) have been chosen because of the scientific importance and potential applications, for instance, the possible superconductivity of high pressure HCl and the high energy density of polymeric CO. We already have some preliminary AIRSS results for CO, so we can proceed with more accurate QMC simulations immediately. Other interesting properties of high pressure phases of HCl and CO, e.g. metallization, hardness and superconductivity will also be studied. Based on the high quality of the researcher and the host, promising results are expected, which will definitely accelerate the professional career of the researcher and enhance the scientific excellence of the EU. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputational sciencenatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssuperconductivity Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EU contribution € 209 033,40 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data