Project description
Making nanoscale chemical imaging more precise and reliable
Nanoscale chemical composition mapping is important for advancing fields such as microelectronics, biology, quantum materials, sensors, and photovoltaics. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a powerful tool for molecular analysis, with MeV SIMS capable of detecting large molecules over 1 kDa. However, SIMS faces limitations such as low ionisation yields and the matrix effect, which lower detection sensitivity and prevent accurate quantitative analysis. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MATRIX-MeV project will focus on proton transfer – a key mechanism deemed crucial for countering SIMS limitations. The proposed research will explore innovative methods to improve nanoimaging of organic and biological samples and will be conducted on a time-of-flight SIMS instrument coupled with a state-of-the-art MeV accelerator.
Objective
The capabilities of chemical composition nanoscale mapping are of utmost importance for the advance of microelectronics, power storage, cellular biology, 2D and quantum materials, sensors, photovoltaics, etc. Molecular distribution can be precisely analyzed with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). MeV-SIMS is a version of this technique capable of detecting high-mass molecules exceeding 1 kDa with primary ions of MeV energies used for molecular desorption. Regardless of the type of SIMS, there are limitations, with the most important ones being low ionization yields between 0.1% and 10% and the matrix effect. They negatively affect the detection limits and almost entirely prevent quantitative analysis.
The objective of the project is to overcome these limitations by implementing approaches for ionization enhancement and matrix-effect reduction. The hypothesis is that the main process crucial for achieving this is proton transfer. Changes in the ionization potential as a consequence of the introduction of proton-donor or acceptor organic matrices will be evaluated and cluster secondary ion formation during recombination of the analyte and the matrix will be studied. The formation of these cluster ions via electronic excitations occurring during sputtering will be the basis for the explanation of the recombination mechanisms. Our findings will be implemented in the field of innovative nano-imaging of the chemical composition of organic and biological samples. The research will be conducted on a ToF-SIMS instrument coupled with a state-of-the-art MeV accelerator, while testing different approaches for the deposition of solid and gaseous matrices. The combination of the candidate’s knowledge of the chemical aspects of the ionization and matrix effect, the supervisor’s experience in the field of MeV-SIMS and ion-beam analysis, and the excellent equipment at the facility will be the basis for the successful implementation of this interdisciplinary project.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics microelectronics
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy photovoltaic
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
10000 Zagreb
Croatia
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.