Objective
Self-assembly of colloidal particles has emerged as the most promising strategy to obtain fundamental insights into otherwise prohibitively complex systems as well as to create new functional materials from the bottom up. However, most self-assembled colloidal structures are static and thus limited in their functionality.
Building on our recent discovery of colloidal joints, which enable a hinging-like motion between linked particles, I propose to unravel how such flexible bonds can be leveraged to obtain reconfigurable materials with unprecedented properties. I will investigate the impact of bond flexibility on the self-assembly, (multi-) stable configurations and phase behaviour of reconfigurable colloidal structures, and use these insights to create next generation materials that adapt their shape and thus functionality to external cues.
To reach these goals, the project will consist of three work packages:
1) I will elucidate how bond flexibility can be exploited to create and understand reconfigurable structures.
2) I will unravel the phase behaviour and hierarchical assembly of flexible colloidal molecules.
3) I will introduce active and actuatable elements to control switching between different configurations and create shape-changing and self-propelled structures.
Taking the concept of reconfigurability to the colloidal length scale will not only allow us to investigate the principles and consequences of structural flexibility on thermally excited objects, but also to develop the next generation of smart materials: materials with an adaptable shape and thus properties. These reconfigurable and actuatable structures have great potential for materials science and in biomedicine as they may feature switchable optical and acoustic properties, and ultimately could be employed in sensors, actuators, advanced coatings, and more complex functional devices such as micro-robots.
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 biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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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) ERC-2017-STG
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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.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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.