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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Flexoelectricity

Objective

Flexoelectricity is a general property of all insulators whereby they generate a voltage when subjected to an inhomogeneous deformation such as bending. Research on this property has taken off with the observation that, due to the large gradients they can accommodate, devices operating in the nanoscale display colossal flexoelectric effects. The present proposal aims to set up Euroe’s first laboratory specialized on the exploration and exploitation of flexoelectricity. It shall focus on three areas with specific targets:

1) Flexoelectricity for energy harvesting: the inverse relationship between flexoelectricity and device size means that, at the nanoscale, flexoelectric energy harvesting can deliver electromechanical performances superior to the current state of the art. We aim to demonstrate record-high effective piezoelectric coefficients through the use of flexoelectricity.

2) Flexoelectricity for information technologies: Flexoelectricity affords mechanical control of polarity. This opens the door to novel memory device concepts where polarization (and magnetization) can be controlled by pushing with the tip of a scanning probe. We aim to achieve flexoelectric writing of domains under electrodes, and also to demonstrate the indirect coupling between flexoelectricity and magnetization (“flexomagnetism”).

3) Bioflexoelectricity: Flexoelectricity participates in human hearing, and is expected to participate in other bioelectric phenomena. In particular, bones are known to generate electricity in response to stress, and it has been hypothesised that this is due to strain gradients; if demonstrated, this would represent a significant step towards osteogenetic implants. Determining the role of flexoelectricity in in bone piezoelectricty will be the third aim of this project.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2012-StG_20111012
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

FUNDACIO INSTITUT CATALA DE NANOCIENCIA I NANOTECNOLOGIA
EU contribution
€ 1 478 400,00
Address
CAMPUS DE LA UAB - EDIFICI ICN2
08193 BELLATERRA (BARCELONA)
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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