Project description
Rational design of novel metastable nickel-oxygen thin films
Oxygen-intercalated and highly oxidised layered nickelates are a new family of materials realised through the topochemical oxidation of a special type of nickelate thin films. These metastable compounds are promising for high-temperature superconductivity and energy applications. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SONOMA project aims to employ topochemical oxidation with ozone and other soft chemical methods to stabilise nickelates in unusually high oxidation states. At the interface between solid-state chemistry and thin-film physics, SONOMA will then characterise the structural and electronic properties of these nickel-oxygen materials at extreme valences. Resulting insights could support rational design and lay the groundwork for applications in superconductivity, catalysis and ion-based electronics.
Objective
This project will pioneer new synthetic strategies to access oxygen-intercalated and highly oxidized layered nickelates, a class of metastable compounds with strong potential for high-temperature superconductivity and energy applications. Building on my expertise in thin-film synthesis and advanced characterization, I will employ topochemical oxidation with ozone and complementary soft-chemical methods to stabilize nickelates in unusually high oxidation states. Structural and electronic properties will be mapped using state-of-the-art diffraction, spectroscopy, and transport techniques, advancing fundamental understanding of correlated electron systems. The fellowship will be hosted at the University of Oxford under the supervision of Prof. Michael Hayward, an international leader in soft-chemistry synthesis, ensuring a strong two-way transfer of knowledge between solid-state chemistry and thin-film physics. The project will deliver new scientific insights into nickel–oxygen hybridization at extreme valences, expand the design principles for metastable oxides, and open pathways for applications in superconductivity, catalysis, and ion-based electronics. Results will be disseminated through high-impact publications, international conferences, and open-science practices. The fellowship will also enhance my career development through interdisciplinary training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, positioning me as a leading independent researcher at the interface of physics, chemistry, and materials science.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics solid-state physics
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.