In-situ metrology for the controlled growth and interfacing of nanomaterials

Objective

This proposal will use novel in-situ metrology to probe the atomic level mechanisms that govern the growth and device behaviour of nanomaterials in realistic process environments. We focus on the catalytic chemical vapour deposition of carbon nanotubes, graphene, Si/Ge nanowires and related heterostructures. The application potential for these nanostructures is large, but currently limited by insufficient control of growth. We propose to use a range of complementary in-situ probes, including environmental transmission electron microscopy, high-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in-situ Raman spectroscopy, to significantly advance the understanding of their growth mechanisms. We see these nanomaterials as model systems to advance the fundamental understanding of phase behaviour, nucleation and interface dynamics in nanoscale systems, which is the key to future materials design. Deeper insights into these phenomena are also crucial to understand the behaviour of nanomaterials under device operation conditions. We propose to address critical performance parameters of nano-structured Si-based anodes for Li ion batteries by in-situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and in-situ XRD methods under repeated Li cycling in an operational battery. We further propose to study the morphological origins of the collective adhesive and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube forests by in-situ scanning electron microscopy as basis for the design of biomimetic, functional dry adhesives and compliant interconnect structures.

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 chemical sciences electrochemistry electric batteries
• engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
• natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
• natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy

Programme(s)

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

• 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)

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.

• ERC-SG-PE4 - ERC Starting Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences

Call for proposal

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

ERC-2011-StG_20101014
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.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

Beneficiaries (1)