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Towards the Bottom of the Periodic Table

Objective

Actinide and lanthanide chemistry is currently experiencing a renaissance, due to the prospects of obtaining novel materials relevant for applications in chemical synthesis, electronics, materials science, nanotechnology, biology and medicine. Most of the fascinating properties of the lanthanide and actinide materials are related to the partially filled 4f/5f valence shell and in contrast to the rest of the periodic table, are poorly understood. This includes the surprising reactivity, magnetic and crystal structure properties and, the rather unpredictable, covalent or ionic nature of their bonds. It is now possible to study the chemistry of the f-block elements using state-of-the-art techniques that were not available before. Two new synchrotron-based techniques, high energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), can now provide unprecedented detailed information on processes such as the electron-electron interactions, hybridization between molecular orbitals, the nature of their chemical bonding, and the occupation and the degree of the f-electron localization. Therefore, I propose to apply these cutting-edge techniques to advance the fundamental understanding of the lanthanide and actinide nanoparticles, an outstanding problem in materials science, chemistry and environmental science technology. The research will be conducted at the European Synchrotron (ESRF), at the Rossendorf Beamline (ROBL) dedicated to actinide science, where we recently installed a novel X-ray emission spectrometer with ground-breaking detection limits. The experimental work will be complemented by electronic structure calculations. The combined experimental and theoretical data will provide an essential knowledge of lanthanide and actinide chemistry, significant for topics of high societal relevance, like green chemistry, renewable energy and catalysis.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) ERC-2017-STG

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Host institution

HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM DRESDEN-ROSSENDORF EV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 1 499 625,00
Address
BAUTZNER LANDSTRASSE 400
01328 Dresden
Germany

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Region
Sachsen Dresden Dresden, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 1 499 625,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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