Objective The aim of this project is to understand the mechanisms behind the functionalisation of metal surfaces with organic and biologicalcomplexes under realistic electrochemical conditions. Focusing on low-index surfaces of gold and platinum, which are also theelectrodes in corresponding experiments, we will use a series of theoretical methods applicable for different time- and lengthsscalesto investigate the geometry and electronic properties of different complexes attached to these electrodes as function of thesurrounding (e.g. electrolyte) and the environmental conditions: temperature, pressure/concentrations, and electrode potential. Ascomplexes we will consider small organic molecules such as 4-mercaptopyridine, 4-ATP, or alkane-chains of variable length, aswell as biological complexes, i.e. DNA-sequences.Within the first step we will establish a deeper understanding of how these complexes interact with the metal electrodes and howadlayer structures can be manipulated by applying specific temperature, pressure, or potential-conditions. Since the intermolecularinteractions are rather weak, the presence of the external electrode potential could lead to drastic changes of the interfacialmorphology. In this respect, particular attention will be spend to the highly-reversible folding and unfolding of DNA-sequences,which has recently had been realized experimentally.Based on thus functionalized electrode surfaces, we will investigate their potential as templates for growing nanoparticles ofdesired size and shape, which would allow for bridging the gap between well-defined single crystal surfaces and nanoparticles. Itis now a matter of establishing the predictive capacity for these methods, an expansive process that itself will open new doors ofresearch. Fields of science natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistrynatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metalsnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometryengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE4 - ERC Starting Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences Call for proposal ERC-2010-StG_20091028 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITAET ULM EU contribution € 1 409 400,00 Address HELMHOLTZSTRASSE 16 89081 Ulm Germany See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Tübingen Ulm, Stadtkreis Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Timo Jacob (Dr.) Administrative Contact Michaela Schuhmacher (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITAET ULM Germany EU contribution € 1 409 400,00 Address HELMHOLTZSTRASSE 16 89081 Ulm See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Tübingen Ulm, Stadtkreis Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Timo Jacob (Dr.) Administrative Contact Michaela Schuhmacher (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data