Interplay of anisotropy and interactions in charged colloidal systems

Objective

"In this proposal we present a program of research and training in the area of soft condensed matter and statistical physics, focusing on understanding the role of long ranged interactions on phase behavior of anisotropic colloids. The Interesting interplay between anisotropic shape, long range interactions and its consequences on the phase behavior of
nanoparticles is a challenging problem which is far from well-understood. As an important step towards realizing this goal, we aim for a systematic study of both equilibrium and non-equilibrium phases of charged anisotropic colloids with axial symmetry. This can be envisaged in the general framework of charged spheroidal particles. The research project will explore the phase behavior of charged spheroids as a function of various control parameters (charge, size, aspect ratio and ionic strength). This model system has direct implications for the system of clays, which are a particular group of anisotropic colloids (platelet shapes), with widespread applications. An important issue in this respect to be resolved is to understand why the isotropic-nematic transition is preempted by a gel-like phase in some clays, while the reverse behavior (nematic order observed before gel phase upon increasing clay density) has been reported in seemingly very closely related compounds. We plan a direct collaboration with the experimental groups working on clays in University of Paris Sud (Patrick Davidson) and Ecole Polytechnique de Paris (Pierre Levitz) and as a result comparison of our results with experimental data is an essential part of project."

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 condensed matter physics soft matter physics
• engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials

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-2010-IEF - 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-2010-IEF
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