Project description
Unravelling the structure of supraparticles
Nanoparticles have raised great interest over the last years due to their versatility and range of applications. In addition, under specific conditions, they have the capacity to cluster into superstructures called supraparticles (SPs) with novel properties. The EU-funded SuprAtom project is developing robust chemical and electron microscopy (EM) methodologies to understand how nanoparticle shape and cation exchange determine SP structures. Through innovative quantitative 3D EM techniques, researcher will descipher SP structure and build up structure-property correlations. Being able to generate SPs with optimal properties in a controlled manner will boost the use of nanoparticles in additional applications including catalysis and photovoltaics.
Objective
Self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) offers a versatile platform for the design of novel materials with enhanced collective properties. A promising route to achieving tailored properties with NPs is to bring them together into superstructures called Supraparticles (SPs). The greatest potential for bringing forth diverse new properties comes from multicomponent SPs, in which multiple types of NPs are used in the SPs. I propose to use spherical confinement to first build SPs which I will then treat with cation exchange (CE), a powerful tool for synthesizing NPs with controlled structures. The goal is to establish a robust route to structuring multicomponent SPs in a controlled manner and enable the engineering of new SPs with optimal properties for applications ranging from catalysis to photovoltaics.
A complete structural analysis of cation exchanged (CE-ed) SPs in 3D is essential as it will reveal the CE process in SPs. I will develop innovative quantitative 3D electron microscopy (EM) techniques to investigate the dynamics of the structural evolution of CE-ed SPs on the single NP level, providing insights into how to achieve optimal properties. Optimization of sample support and development of fast multimode electron tomography will make this possible by eliminate beam damage. Liquid tomography will allow me to fully understand the 3D structures of CE-ed SPs under realistic conditions. By combining in-situ heating and fast multimode electron tomography, I will decipher the mechanism of heat-induced intra- and inter- particle CE in SPs. My program will enable me to understand the interplay between NP shape, stacking and heating on the resulting SP structures.
This program will be the start of a completely new research line in the fields of both colloidal science and 3D characterization. The outcome will boost the possibilities for the design and application of functional materials as well as push the limits of 3D EM techniques.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy photovoltaic
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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-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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-2019
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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.
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
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.