Converging on multifunctional materials
Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are members of the growing family of multifunctional materials. They have been gaining widespread attention for their exotic effects, particularly in the realm of electricity and magnetism. The large family of compounds have unique characteristics that lead to new states of matter exhibiting very large responses to very small perturbations. Such properties have exciting potential in areas such as superconductivity and giant magnetoresistance. Stacking TMOs in multi-layer heterostructures provides the possibility of combing individual functionalities and generating emergent novel properties quite different from those of the individual building blocks. The controlled engineering of hybrid heterostructures incorporating TMOs and functional organic layers on the same nano-scale chip has become a sort of Holy Grail in the field of materials science. Important applications abound in information and communications technology and the energy sector. Control of structure for function requires an intricate understanding of materials and their properties as well as their relationship at all levels, a challenging objective at the least. The EU-funded project 'Unlocking research potential for multifunctional advanced materials and nanoscale phenomena' (MAMA) rose to the challenge, undaunted by the complexity. The project was spearheaded by the Institute SPIN (superconductors, oxides and other innovative materials and devices) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). With EU support, CNR-SPIN successfully increased its research capacity through recruitment and retention of highly qualified personnel, acquisition of powerful instrumentation and exchange with European leaders in the field. CNR-SPIN shared the wealth, so to speak. Italy is an EU convergence region, one whose development is lagging with respect to the EU average. With high school outreach programmes, identification of potential industrial partners, and networking with small and medium-sized enterprises, CNR-SPIN made a major contribution to raising the low level of high-tech innovation in the field of multifunctional materials. MAMA resulted in 70 published peer-reviewed scientific articles, further attesting to the strong foundations and lasting impact created by the project. As CNR-SPIN moves forward with its newly acquired personnel, equipment, expertise and contacts, Italy and the EU economy can expect major benefits.
Keywords
Multifunctional materials, transition metal oxides, heterostructures, nano-scale chip
