Project description
Mapping structural disorder in functional oxides
Functional oxides are essential for solar energy conversion and corrosion resistance, but their performance is limited by structural disorder that conventional methods fail to capture. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the IMPERphECT project is pioneering a multidimensional framework to map atomic-scale complexity. By integrating advanced electron diffraction, high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and machine learning, the researchers are analysing chromium- and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide alongside micro-arc oxidation coatings. This approach resolves both average crystal structures and specific local defects, such as oxygen vacancies and planar features. Ultimately, the project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of structure-function relationships in innovative functional materials design.
Objective
The IMPERphECT project develops a multidimensional strategy to investigate structural disorder in functional oxide systems, a key factor influencing their performance in technologies such as solar energy conversion and corrosion protection. Conventional techniques like X‑ray diffraction make it very challenging to capture the full complexity of nanocrystalline systems with disrupted lattice periodicity. The project combines advanced electron diffraction and microscopy with machine learning to create a multidimensional framework for mapping structural complexity at the nanoscale.
Two oxide‑based model systems are studied: chromium and nitrogen co‑doped titanium dioxide, which shows enhanced photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties; and micro‑arc oxidation coatings on deformed titanium, valued for their strength and corrosion resistance. Both exhibit intermediate structural order and diverse disorder phenomena, including oxygen vacancies, charge states, planar defects, and secondary phases.
By integrating three‑dimensional electron diffraction, four‑dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy, and advanced spectroscopy, the project will resolve both average structures and local disorder motifs. Machine learning will enable semi-automated classification of structural features and facilitate comprehensive mapping of phase transitions and defect chemistry. The outcome will be transferable protocols for characterizing disordered materials, advancing our understanding of structure-function relationships, and supporting innovation in functional materials design.
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.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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
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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-2025-PF
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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.
7491 Trondheim
Norway
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.