Objective We propose to apply a cutting-edge optical microscopy based on interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT) to directly study the dynamics of the fundamental system of nanoparticles at fluid interfaces. Nanoparticles at interfaces are a central research topic in colloidal science. They have various technological applications, related to, for example, emulsification, optical devices, and chemical catalysis. In addition, nanoparticles at interfaces make an ideal experimental model system for investigating topics in condensed matter physics, such as the dynamics of partially confined fluids and the phase behavior of 2D fluids. While many experimental studies have characterized the self-assembly, structure, and motion of such particles, important questions relating to adsorption/desorption dynamics and inertial effects, remain unanswered due to technical limitations of temporal and spatial resolution. iSCAT offers exclusive accessibility to answer these questions, through unprecedented capabilities of nanoparticle tracking in three dimensions with simultaneous nanometre spatial and microsecond temporal precision. Specifically, we aim at achieving two objectives for the first time; (i) observing and quantifying inertial effects at fluid-fluid interfaces, and (ii) characterizing the three-dimensional interfacial behavior of nanoparticles at interfaces. Overall, these objectives aim at expanding and generalising interfacial microrheology to much shorter time-scales, as well as to provide critical insight to the mechanisms underlying particle stability and self-assembly at interfaces. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metalsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 195 454,80
