Towards the analysis of energy conversion materials at the atomic scale

Objective

The properties of interest of functional materials are strongly correlated to their intimate structure down to the nanometre scale. Designing novel, more efficient materials requires a control over their structure and chemistry at the very same scale. One of the challenges of the 21st century is to tailor energy conversion materials enabling a more efficient harvesting of the energy of the Sun. Thermoelectric power generation is a well-known effect through which thermal energy (heat) is directly converted into electricity without any intermediate working fluid or any moving parts. These materials are generally highly doped, nanostructured materials. Although very promising, the structure – activity relationship in this class of materials is still really unclear, due to a lack of nano-scale characterisation. I aim here to get trained on several analytical techniques, including dual beam Scanning Electron Microscope/Focused-Ion-Beam, Atom Probe Tomography (APT), and various declinations of Transmission Electron Microscopy. I will also acquire a better understanding on the functioning of the laser-assisted APT, which will enable me to start a collaborative work to correct the intrinsic aberrations of the technique. Drawing on the experience of the host group in conducting a complete materials science study, I will improve my skills in this field, and acquire methods, protocols and knowledge enabling me to solve materials science problems. This training will permit to perform at the same time an in-depth study of the multi-scale characterisation of the structure and chemistry of these materials, aiming to improve the design and efficiency of thermoelectric devices.

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.

• natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
• social sciences sociology anthropology science and technology studies
• engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
• engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels energy conversion

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

• Atom Probe Tomography
• Correlative Microscopy
• Energy Conversion Materials
• Materials Design
• Physical sciences
• Transmission Electron Microscopy

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

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.

• FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008 - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development"

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
See other projects for this call

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.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator