Project acronym ALIGN
Project Ab-initio computational modelling of photovoltaic interfaces
Researcher (PI) Feliciano Giustino
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Summary
The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-03-01, End date: 2016-02-29
Project acronym ASPIRE
Project Aqueous Supramolecular Polymers and Peptide Conjugates in Reversible Systems
Researcher (PI) Oren Alexander Scherman
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARSOF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Summary
Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Max ERC Funding
1 700 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BIDECASEOX
Project Bio-inspired Design of Catalysts for Selective Oxidations of C-H and C=C Bonds
Researcher (PI) Miguel Costas Salgueiro
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The selective functionalization of C-H and C=C bonds remains a formidable unsolved problem, owing to their inert nature. Novel alkane and alkene oxidation reactions exhibiting good and/or unprecedented selectivities will have a big impact on bulk and fine chemistry by opening novel methodologies that will allow removal of protection-deprotection sequences, thus streamlining synthetic strategies. These goals are targeted in this project via design of iron and manganese catalysts inspired by structural elements of the active site of non-heme enzymes of the Rieske Dioxygenase family. Selectivity is pursued via rational design of catalysts that will exploit substrate recognition-exclusion phenomena, and control over proton and electron affinity of the active species. Moreover, these catalysts will employ H2O2 as oxidant, and will operate under mild conditions (pressure and temperature). The fundamental mechanistic aspects of the catalytic reactions, and the species implicated in C-H and C=C oxidation events will also be studied with the aim of building on the necessary knowledge to design future generations of catalysts, and provide models to understand the chemistry taking place in non-heme iron and manganese-dependent oxygenases.
Summary
The selective functionalization of C-H and C=C bonds remains a formidable unsolved problem, owing to their inert nature. Novel alkane and alkene oxidation reactions exhibiting good and/or unprecedented selectivities will have a big impact on bulk and fine chemistry by opening novel methodologies that will allow removal of protection-deprotection sequences, thus streamlining synthetic strategies. These goals are targeted in this project via design of iron and manganese catalysts inspired by structural elements of the active site of non-heme enzymes of the Rieske Dioxygenase family. Selectivity is pursued via rational design of catalysts that will exploit substrate recognition-exclusion phenomena, and control over proton and electron affinity of the active species. Moreover, these catalysts will employ H2O2 as oxidant, and will operate under mild conditions (pressure and temperature). The fundamental mechanistic aspects of the catalytic reactions, and the species implicated in C-H and C=C oxidation events will also be studied with the aim of building on the necessary knowledge to design future generations of catalysts, and provide models to understand the chemistry taking place in non-heme iron and manganese-dependent oxygenases.
Max ERC Funding
1 299 998 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BIOINCMED
Project Bioinorganic Chemistry for the Design of New Medicines
Researcher (PI) Peter John Sadler
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area of research, but the potential for the therapeutic application of metal complexes is highly underdeveloped. The basic principles required to guide the development of metal-containing therapeutic agents are lacking, despite the unique therapeutic opportunities which they offer. It is the goal of the proposed research to establish basic principles of medicinal coordination chemistry of metals that will allow the rational screening of future metallopharmaceuticals. We propose to utilize the power of inorganic chemistry to provide new knowledge of and new approaches for intervention in biological systems. This will be based on improved understanding of reactions of metal complexes under physiological conditions, on improving the specificity of their interactions, and gaining control over the potential toxicity of synthetic metal complexes. The research programme is highly interdisciplinary involving chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacology, with potential for the discovery of truly novel medicines, especially for the treatment of diseases and conditions which are currently intractable, such as cancer. The challenging and ambitious goals of the present work involve transition metal complexes with novel chemical and biochemical mechanisms of action. They will contain novel features which allow them (i) to be selectively activated by light in cells, or (ii) to be activated by a structural transition, or (ii) exhibit catalytic activity in cells. This ground-breaking research potentially has a very high impact and is based on recent discoveries in the applicant s laboratory. A feature of the programme is the use of state-of-the-art-and-beyond methodology to advance knowledge of medicinal metal coordination chemistry.
Summary
Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area of research, but the potential for the therapeutic application of metal complexes is highly underdeveloped. The basic principles required to guide the development of metal-containing therapeutic agents are lacking, despite the unique therapeutic opportunities which they offer. It is the goal of the proposed research to establish basic principles of medicinal coordination chemistry of metals that will allow the rational screening of future metallopharmaceuticals. We propose to utilize the power of inorganic chemistry to provide new knowledge of and new approaches for intervention in biological systems. This will be based on improved understanding of reactions of metal complexes under physiological conditions, on improving the specificity of their interactions, and gaining control over the potential toxicity of synthetic metal complexes. The research programme is highly interdisciplinary involving chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacology, with potential for the discovery of truly novel medicines, especially for the treatment of diseases and conditions which are currently intractable, such as cancer. The challenging and ambitious goals of the present work involve transition metal complexes with novel chemical and biochemical mechanisms of action. They will contain novel features which allow them (i) to be selectively activated by light in cells, or (ii) to be activated by a structural transition, or (ii) exhibit catalytic activity in cells. This ground-breaking research potentially has a very high impact and is based on recent discoveries in the applicant s laboratory. A feature of the programme is the use of state-of-the-art-and-beyond methodology to advance knowledge of medicinal metal coordination chemistry.
Max ERC Funding
1 565 397 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-07-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym COUNTATOMS
Project Counting Atoms in nanomaterials
Researcher (PI) Gustaaf Van Tendeloo
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary COUNTING ATOMS IN NANOMATERIALS Advanced electron microscopy for solid state materials has evolved from a qualitative imaging setup to a quantitative scientific technique. This will allow us not only to probe and better understand the fundamental behaviour of (nano) materials at an atomic level but also to guide technology towards new horizons. The installation in 2009 of a new and unique electron microscope with a real space resolution of 50 pm and an energy resolution of 100 meV will make it possible to perform unique experiments. We believe that the position of atoms at an interface or at a surface can be determined with a precision of 1 pm; this precision is essential as input for modelling the materials properties. It will be first applied to explain the fascinating behaviour of multilayer ceramic materials. The new experimental limits will also allow us to literally count the number of atoms within an atomic columns; particularly counting the number of foreign atoms. This will not only require experimental skills, but also theoretical support. A real challenge is probing the magnetic and electronic information of a single atom column. According to theory this would be possible using ultra high resolution. This new probing technique will be of extreme importance for e.g. spintronics. Modern (nano) technology more and more requires information in 3 dimensions (3D), rather than in 2D. This is possible through electron tomography; this technique will be optimised in order to obtain sub nanometer precision. A final challenge is the study of the interface between soft matter (bio- or organic materials) and hard matter. This was hitherto impossible because of the radiation damage of the electron beam. With the possibility to lower the voltage to 80 kV and possibly 50 kV, maintaining more or less the resolution, we will hopefully be able to probe the active sites for catalysis.
Summary
COUNTING ATOMS IN NANOMATERIALS Advanced electron microscopy for solid state materials has evolved from a qualitative imaging setup to a quantitative scientific technique. This will allow us not only to probe and better understand the fundamental behaviour of (nano) materials at an atomic level but also to guide technology towards new horizons. The installation in 2009 of a new and unique electron microscope with a real space resolution of 50 pm and an energy resolution of 100 meV will make it possible to perform unique experiments. We believe that the position of atoms at an interface or at a surface can be determined with a precision of 1 pm; this precision is essential as input for modelling the materials properties. It will be first applied to explain the fascinating behaviour of multilayer ceramic materials. The new experimental limits will also allow us to literally count the number of atoms within an atomic columns; particularly counting the number of foreign atoms. This will not only require experimental skills, but also theoretical support. A real challenge is probing the magnetic and electronic information of a single atom column. According to theory this would be possible using ultra high resolution. This new probing technique will be of extreme importance for e.g. spintronics. Modern (nano) technology more and more requires information in 3 dimensions (3D), rather than in 2D. This is possible through electron tomography; this technique will be optimised in order to obtain sub nanometer precision. A final challenge is the study of the interface between soft matter (bio- or organic materials) and hard matter. This was hitherto impossible because of the radiation damage of the electron beam. With the possibility to lower the voltage to 80 kV and possibly 50 kV, maintaining more or less the resolution, we will hopefully be able to probe the active sites for catalysis.
Max ERC Funding
2 000 160 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-01-01, End date: 2014-12-31
Project acronym DEDIGROWTH
Project Dedicated growth of novel 1-dimensional materials for emerging nanotechnological applications
Researcher (PI) Nicole Grobert
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Summary
This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Max ERC Funding
1 276 038 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym DIRECTDELIVERY
Project Controlled fusion of liposomes and cells: a new pathway for direct drug delivery
Researcher (PI) Alexander Kros
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Inspired by the natural membrane fusion machinery, the aim of this research line is to design a synthetic analogue in order to: 1) Understand the process of the peptide-controlled fusion of two membranes at the atomic, molecular and mesoscopic level. 2) Developing a new generic method for the controlled delivery of any (bio)molecule directly into the cytoplasm of a cell thereby omitting endocytotic pathways. This new paradigm opens many new applications in the fields of functional proteomics, genomics and siRNA-technology. Studying, imitating and dissecting processes from Nature and applying the underlying principles has been highly successful approach for many years and opened up new lines of research and applications which were previously unimagineable. Examples are the aptamer and antibody technology. I will use this learning-from-Nature approach to design synthetic analogues of the membrane fusion machinery to create new functions and/or applications which are currently non-existent. Membrane fusion is a key process in all living cells as it facilitates the transport of molecules between and within cells. A primary mechanism by which molecules are conveyed to the appropriate location is to encapsulate them in liposomes that deliver the cargo by fusing with the lipid membrane of the target cell or compartment. I will use synthetic analogues of the membrane fusion machinery to induce the controlled fusion between 1) specific liposomes and 2) liposome-cell. This approach opens up a new paradigm for the direct introduction of (bio)molecule into the cytoplasm of living cells omitting the endocytotic pathways for which the applications are only limited by one s imagination.
Summary
Inspired by the natural membrane fusion machinery, the aim of this research line is to design a synthetic analogue in order to: 1) Understand the process of the peptide-controlled fusion of two membranes at the atomic, molecular and mesoscopic level. 2) Developing a new generic method for the controlled delivery of any (bio)molecule directly into the cytoplasm of a cell thereby omitting endocytotic pathways. This new paradigm opens many new applications in the fields of functional proteomics, genomics and siRNA-technology. Studying, imitating and dissecting processes from Nature and applying the underlying principles has been highly successful approach for many years and opened up new lines of research and applications which were previously unimagineable. Examples are the aptamer and antibody technology. I will use this learning-from-Nature approach to design synthetic analogues of the membrane fusion machinery to create new functions and/or applications which are currently non-existent. Membrane fusion is a key process in all living cells as it facilitates the transport of molecules between and within cells. A primary mechanism by which molecules are conveyed to the appropriate location is to encapsulate them in liposomes that deliver the cargo by fusing with the lipid membrane of the target cell or compartment. I will use synthetic analogues of the membrane fusion machinery to induce the controlled fusion between 1) specific liposomes and 2) liposome-cell. This approach opens up a new paradigm for the direct introduction of (bio)molecule into the cytoplasm of living cells omitting the endocytotic pathways for which the applications are only limited by one s imagination.
Max ERC Funding
1 392 262 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-10-01, End date: 2014-09-30
Project acronym DYCOCA
Project DYNAMIC COVALENT CAPTURE: Dynamic Chemistry for Biomolecular Recognition and Catalysis
Researcher (PI) Leonard Jan Prins
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Molecular recognition plays a fundamental role in nearly all chemical and biological processes. The objective of this research project is to develop new methodology for studying and utilizing the noncovalent recognition between two molecular entities, focussing on biomolecular receptors and catalysts. A dynamic covalent capture strategy is proposed, characterized by the following strongholds. The target itself self-selects the best component out of a combinatorial library. The approach has a very high sensitivity, because molecular recognition occurs intramolecularly, and is very flexible, which allows for an easy implementation in very diverse research areas simply by changing the target. The dynamic covalent capture strategy is strongly embedded in the fields of supramolecular chemistry and (physical) organic chemistry. Nonetheless, the different work programmes strongly rely on the input from other areas, such as combinatorial chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, catalysis and computational chemistry, which renders the project highly interdisciplinary. Identified targets are new synthetic catalysts for the selective cleavage of biologically relevant compounds (D-Ala-D-Lac, cocaine and acetylcholine, and in a later stage peptides and DNA/RNA). Applicative work programmes are dedicated to the dynamic imprinting of monolayers on nanoparticles for multivalent recognition and cleavage of biologically relevant targets in vivo and to the development of new screening methodology for measuring chemical equilibria and, specifically, for the discovery of new HIV-1 fusion inhibitors.
Summary
Molecular recognition plays a fundamental role in nearly all chemical and biological processes. The objective of this research project is to develop new methodology for studying and utilizing the noncovalent recognition between two molecular entities, focussing on biomolecular receptors and catalysts. A dynamic covalent capture strategy is proposed, characterized by the following strongholds. The target itself self-selects the best component out of a combinatorial library. The approach has a very high sensitivity, because molecular recognition occurs intramolecularly, and is very flexible, which allows for an easy implementation in very diverse research areas simply by changing the target. The dynamic covalent capture strategy is strongly embedded in the fields of supramolecular chemistry and (physical) organic chemistry. Nonetheless, the different work programmes strongly rely on the input from other areas, such as combinatorial chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, catalysis and computational chemistry, which renders the project highly interdisciplinary. Identified targets are new synthetic catalysts for the selective cleavage of biologically relevant compounds (D-Ala-D-Lac, cocaine and acetylcholine, and in a later stage peptides and DNA/RNA). Applicative work programmes are dedicated to the dynamic imprinting of monolayers on nanoparticles for multivalent recognition and cleavage of biologically relevant targets in vivo and to the development of new screening methodology for measuring chemical equilibria and, specifically, for the discovery of new HIV-1 fusion inhibitors.
Max ERC Funding
1 400 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-10-01, End date: 2014-09-30
Project acronym FUNCA
Project Functional Nanomaterials via Controlled Block Copolymer Assembly
Researcher (PI) Ian Manners
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary We outline an ambitious 5 year interdisplinary research programme that introduces a fundamentally new platform to the fabrication of nanoelectronic and liquid crystal devices, current areas of intense scientific and technological interest. The new approach involves the use of block copolymer micelles and block comicelles prepared by Crystallization-Driven Living Polymerization (CDLP) processes. This novel method allows unprecedented access to well-defined micelle architectures (with size control, narrow size distribution, and access to segmented structures that possess heterojunctions). Crosslinking will also be used to optimize micelle mechanical properties where necessary. The new platform offers very promising advantages over competitive methods for realising nanomaterials these include ambient temperature synthesis and solution processing, easy control of dimensions and aspect ratio, electronic properties, and semiconductor/semiconductor or semiconductor/dielectric junction fabrication. In addition, the use of hydrophilic coronas should, in principle, allow the self-assembly processes and subsequent manipulations to be performed in water.
Summary
We outline an ambitious 5 year interdisplinary research programme that introduces a fundamentally new platform to the fabrication of nanoelectronic and liquid crystal devices, current areas of intense scientific and technological interest. The new approach involves the use of block copolymer micelles and block comicelles prepared by Crystallization-Driven Living Polymerization (CDLP) processes. This novel method allows unprecedented access to well-defined micelle architectures (with size control, narrow size distribution, and access to segmented structures that possess heterojunctions). Crosslinking will also be used to optimize micelle mechanical properties where necessary. The new platform offers very promising advantages over competitive methods for realising nanomaterials these include ambient temperature synthesis and solution processing, easy control of dimensions and aspect ratio, electronic properties, and semiconductor/semiconductor or semiconductor/dielectric junction fabrication. In addition, the use of hydrophilic coronas should, in principle, allow the self-assembly processes and subsequent manipulations to be performed in water.
Max ERC Funding
1 658 544 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym GRAPHENOCHEM
Project Large Scale Production, Cloning, Chemical Functionalization and Materials Applications of Graphene
Researcher (PI) Andreas Hirsch
Host Institution (HI) FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN NUERNBERG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary We propose the development of modern wet chemical concepts for the mass production and chemical modification of graphene - a rapidly rising star on the horizon of materials science - opening the door for superior but still elusive applications such as transparent electrodes, field effect transistors, solar cells, gas sensors and polymer enforcement. Owing to its spectacular electronic properties graphene is expected to be the most promising candidate to replace classical Si-technology and no longer requires any further proof of its importance in terms of fundamental physics. However, fully exploiting the proposed applications requires the availability of processable graphene in large quantities, which generally has been considered to be an insurmountable challenge. This is where the GRAPHENOCHEM project sets in. Our laboratory has been pioneering and is at the forefront of carbon allotrope chemistry. After having investigated basic principles for the functionalization of the 0-dimensional fullerenes and the 1-dimensional carbon nanotubes, which lead to synthesis of numerous examples of derivatives with tailor made properties, we recently started successfully with the investigation of wet chemical approaches for the efficient production of graphene sheets using graphite as an inexpensive starting material. The strategy of GRAPHENOCHEM is to combine chemistry, nanotechnology and materials science to establish highly efficient protocols for the mass production of soluble graphene and the subsequent processing to a whole variety of thins films, composites and devices with outstanding properties. To our knowledge we are the first synthetic organic chemists facing this challenge. We propose to go through the following sequential key objectives, namely: Development of efficient protocols for the mass production of soluble single layer graphene, cloning of graphene, chemical functionalization and doping of graphene, and engineering of graphene based materials and devices.
Summary
We propose the development of modern wet chemical concepts for the mass production and chemical modification of graphene - a rapidly rising star on the horizon of materials science - opening the door for superior but still elusive applications such as transparent electrodes, field effect transistors, solar cells, gas sensors and polymer enforcement. Owing to its spectacular electronic properties graphene is expected to be the most promising candidate to replace classical Si-technology and no longer requires any further proof of its importance in terms of fundamental physics. However, fully exploiting the proposed applications requires the availability of processable graphene in large quantities, which generally has been considered to be an insurmountable challenge. This is where the GRAPHENOCHEM project sets in. Our laboratory has been pioneering and is at the forefront of carbon allotrope chemistry. After having investigated basic principles for the functionalization of the 0-dimensional fullerenes and the 1-dimensional carbon nanotubes, which lead to synthesis of numerous examples of derivatives with tailor made properties, we recently started successfully with the investigation of wet chemical approaches for the efficient production of graphene sheets using graphite as an inexpensive starting material. The strategy of GRAPHENOCHEM is to combine chemistry, nanotechnology and materials science to establish highly efficient protocols for the mass production of soluble graphene and the subsequent processing to a whole variety of thins films, composites and devices with outstanding properties. To our knowledge we are the first synthetic organic chemists facing this challenge. We propose to go through the following sequential key objectives, namely: Development of efficient protocols for the mass production of soluble single layer graphene, cloning of graphene, chemical functionalization and doping of graphene, and engineering of graphene based materials and devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 436 400 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2015-01-31
