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Tribocharge: a multi-scale approach to an enduring problem in physics

Project description

Unravelling the mechanism of contact charging between insulators

Tribocharging – the generation of static electricity by rubbing two materials – is familiar to everyone, yet the mechanism behind this phenomenon has been debated for many years. Issues as basic as the identity of the charge carriers, how they bind to a surface, and what drives them between surfaces, have not been adequately resolved. The EU-funded Tribocharge project aims to reveal more about the origin of tribocharging in insulators using multi-scale experiments and models. Facing a problem that has eluded description for centuries is inherently challenging, and a comprehensive multi-scale approach has not yet been attempted. Beyond fundamental science, the work may have important implications for the development of triboelectric nanogenerators.

Objective

Tribocharging, i.e. charge transfer during contact, is a fundamental effect of widespread importance, yet we do not understand it. For insulators, even the most basic questions are open: What are the charge carriers? How do they bind to a surface? What drives them between surfaces?
The aim of this proposal is to establish the mechanism of insulator tribocharging. Building on my work to develop new experiments and test existing models, we will use a multi-scale approach to find the origin of this effect. We will address the apparent homogeneous macrophysics, through the stochastic signatures at the mesoscale, and down to individual charges at the microscale. Throughout, we will perform crucial tests for the promising water island hypothesis.
The project consists of 3 experimental work packages:
WP1: At the macroscale, we will use atomic layer deposition on polymers to create clean contacts with oxides. We will compare charge transfer with measurements of water surface coverage to test the water island model.
WP2: At the mesoscale, we will use acoustic levitation to measure the charge of particles colliding with a substrate. With unprecedented precision, we will analyze statistics to tease out waters role as a charge driver vs. discharge driver.
WP3: At the microscale, we will use optical tweezers to watch individual charges jump on and off a microparticle. With sub-electron resolution, we will determine the binding energy to identify the carrier.
Our experiments will be interwoven with a theoretical thread to unify the physics between scales.
Facing a problem that has eluded description for centuries is inherently risky. However, our multi-scale approach has not been attempted, and gives comprehensive solutions to the challenges that have existed. Beyond fundamental relevance, our work will be useful in new technologies, e.g. triboelectric nanogenerators. Understanding tribocharging, though ambitious, promises exceptional scientific and technological rewards.

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ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

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Host institution

INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRIA
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.

€ 1 493 623,00
Address
Am Campus 1
3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
Austria

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Region
Ostösterreich Niederösterreich Wiener Umland/Nordteil
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 1 493 623,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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