Objectif Many important interactions near the surfaces of energy functional metal oxide surfaces are yet to be established at the atomic level. How bonds are formed and broken in photocatalysis, the role of the metal and oxide in a supported metal catalyst, the mechanism of energy flow from atom to atom after photoexcitation in a photovoltaic device are just some of the open questions. The underlying motivation to generate answers is clear: it provides an opportunity to improve technology associated with light harvesting and energy-related catalysis. But the fundamental science required is extremely challenging and is only just starting to yield some detailed answers. In this highly ambitious project we will tackle three major issues associated with the surface chemistry of energy functional metal oxides-- three grand challenges. In doing so, we will make use of a unique range of experimental techniques. One will focus on solid-gas interactions in studies of Au on CeO2, employing scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and STM-inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy to answer questions about the active site of water gas shift catalysis and the mechanism by which the substrate reversibly exchanges oxygen. The second challenge will probe the structures of interfaces between water and ZnO and TiO2, using surface X-ray diffraction and STM. This will include the adsorption of dye mimics from solution. In the third challenge, femtosecond time resolved photoemission using pump probe will be used to unravel the details of energy dissipation following a UV pulse absorption by ZnO and TiO2 substrates and their interaction with water. This is directly related to processes associated with photocatalysis. We expect that this ERC project will revolutionise our understanding of energy functional surfaces based on metal oxides and ultimately lead to key breakthroughs in the design of advanced devices. Champ scientifique natural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisphotocatalysisnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyscanning tunneling microscopynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-AG-PE4 - ERC Advanced Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences Appel à propositions ERC-2010-AdG_20100224 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Contribution de l’UE € 2 364 681,00 Adresse GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT LONDON Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Giles Machell (Mr.) Chercheur principal Geoffrey Thornton (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Contribution de l’UE € 2 364 681,00 Adresse GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT LONDON Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Giles Machell (Mr.) Chercheur principal Geoffrey Thornton (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée