Project description
A chemical view of ternary topological insulators
The discovery of topological insulators has led to a surge in theoretical and experimental activities in condensed matter and materials science. Understanding of their topological electronic structure from a chemical view is, however, still limited. Funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, the TOPCHEM project aims to provide a chemical description of ternary topological insulators. After growing high-quality single crystals and tuning their Fermi level by chemical doping or by controlling their intrinsic defects, the project will use synchrotron and low-energy electron diffraction as well as X-ray absorption near the edge to study their bulk and surface structures. A detailed view of their thermoelectric transport properties will enable researchers to optimise ternary topological insulators for thermoelectric applications.
Objective
The discovery of topological insulators has ignited intensive research activity in condensed matter and materials science. However, the understanding of topological electronic structure from a chemical view is still deficient.
This action proposes the investigation of novel ternary ABC topological insulators (A: alkali, alkaline earth, rare earth, Group 11, B: alkaline earth or Group 8-12, C: main group element) by focusing on three aspects: 1) growth of high-quality single crystals; 2) structural characterisation and relation between topological electronic structure and chemical concepts; 3) manipulation of electronic structure aiming at thermoelectric applications.
First, high-quality ABC single crystals with selected composition will be grown by suitable methods. The Fermi level will be tuned by chemical doping or controlling the intrinsic defects to observe the topological physics.
Subsequently, a detailed bulk and surface structural characterisation will be performed. The electronic structure of a material in the reciprocal space can be linked to chemical concepts in real space, such as chemical bonding, electronegativity differences, orbital overlap, etc. A systematic study of the crystalline bulk and surface structures will be performed by Synchrotron and low energy electron diffraction, and X-ray absorption near the edge, to find the relation between chemical concepts and the electronic structure of selected topological materials.
Finally, based on the understanding of the relation between chemical concepts and electronic structure, the thermoelectric transport properties of these novel ABC topological insulators will be investigated and optimised for thermoelectric applications.
The implementation of this project will deepen the understanding of topological chemistry and stimulate the technological application of topological materials. It will contribute to EU Horizon 2020 goals creating a single market for knowledge, research, and innovation.
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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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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.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.