Project R-3783

Chemical synthesis of nano(hetero)structured metal oxides with remarkable physical properties (Research)

State-of-the-art nanosized oxide materials with remarkable physical (e.g. a layered structure or a structural phase transition) and electronic (e.g. correlated electron effects) properties have currently drawn a lot of attention. Correlated electron effects, such as the Mott metal to insulator transition (MIT), struggle with limited understanding. The Mott transition takes place in materials (e.g. metal oxides such as those from the vanadium oxide or manganite family) where band theory predicts metallic behavior, however due to electron correlations a band gap opens up as a function of temperature, pressure, electric field, etc. The exact composition, stoichiometry, crystal phase and morphology of the material largely determine its electrical properties. Such materials offer a broad spectrum of applications as component or coating in e.g. transistors, memories, intelligent windows, energy management systems and sensors. The goal of this multidisciplinary research is to prepare nano(hetero)structured oxide materials by chemical synthesis routes on different (multidimensional) substrates. A strict control of the synthesis conditions, the material properties and the realization of combined or unconventional properties are aimed for. Additionally, the effect of nanoscale miniaturization, dopants, (multidimensional) substrate choice and morphology on the physical and electrical properties will be studied. This project will have an important contribution to the expertise of the research group and to the answer of some recent, fundamental questions in the field of electronic and inorganic materials such as the MIT driving mechanism or the Li intercalation chemistry.

01 October 2009 - 30 September 2013