Project acronym 0MSPIN
Project Spintronics based on relativistic phenomena in systems with zero magnetic moment
Researcher (PI) Tomas Jungwirth
Host Institution (HI) FYZIKALNI USTAV AV CR V.V.I
Country Czechia
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The 0MSPIN project consists of an extensive integrated theoretical, experimental and device development programme of research opening a radical new approach to spintronics. Spintronics has the potential to supersede existing storage and memory applications, and to provide alternatives to current CMOS technology. Ferromagnetic matels used in all current spintronics applications may make it impractical to realise the full potential of spintronics. Metals are unsuitable for transistor and information processing applications, for opto-electronics, or for high-density integration. The 0MSPIN project aims to remove the major road-block holding back the development of spintronics in a radical way: removing the ferromagnetic component from key active parts or from the whole of the spintronic devices. This approach is based on exploiting the combination of exchange and spin-orbit coupling phenomena and material systems with zero macroscopic moment. The goal of the 0MSPIN is to provide a new paradigm by which spintronics can enter the realms of conventional semiconductors in both fundamental condensed matter research and in information technologies. In the central part of the proposal, the research towards this goal is embedded within a materials science project whose aim is to introduce into physics and microelectronics an entirely new class of semiconductors. 0MSPIN seeks to exploit three classes of material systems: (1) Antiferromagnetic bi-metallic 3d-5d alloys (e.g. Mn2Au). (2) Antiferromagnetic I-II-V semiconductors (e.g. LiMnAs). (3) Non-magnetic spin-orbit coupled semiconductors with injected spin-polarized currents (e.g. 2D III-V structures). Proof of concept devices operating at high temperatures will be fabricated to show-case new functionalities offered by zero-moment systems for sensing and memory applications, information processing, and opto-electronics technologies.
Summary
The 0MSPIN project consists of an extensive integrated theoretical, experimental and device development programme of research opening a radical new approach to spintronics. Spintronics has the potential to supersede existing storage and memory applications, and to provide alternatives to current CMOS technology. Ferromagnetic matels used in all current spintronics applications may make it impractical to realise the full potential of spintronics. Metals are unsuitable for transistor and information processing applications, for opto-electronics, or for high-density integration. The 0MSPIN project aims to remove the major road-block holding back the development of spintronics in a radical way: removing the ferromagnetic component from key active parts or from the whole of the spintronic devices. This approach is based on exploiting the combination of exchange and spin-orbit coupling phenomena and material systems with zero macroscopic moment. The goal of the 0MSPIN is to provide a new paradigm by which spintronics can enter the realms of conventional semiconductors in both fundamental condensed matter research and in information technologies. In the central part of the proposal, the research towards this goal is embedded within a materials science project whose aim is to introduce into physics and microelectronics an entirely new class of semiconductors. 0MSPIN seeks to exploit three classes of material systems: (1) Antiferromagnetic bi-metallic 3d-5d alloys (e.g. Mn2Au). (2) Antiferromagnetic I-II-V semiconductors (e.g. LiMnAs). (3) Non-magnetic spin-orbit coupled semiconductors with injected spin-polarized currents (e.g. 2D III-V structures). Proof of concept devices operating at high temperatures will be fabricated to show-case new functionalities offered by zero-moment systems for sensing and memory applications, information processing, and opto-electronics technologies.
Max ERC Funding
1 938 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-06-01, End date: 2016-05-31
Project acronym 2D-CHEM
Project Two-Dimensional Chemistry towards New Graphene Derivatives
Researcher (PI) Michal Otyepka
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERZITA PALACKEHO V OLOMOUCI
Country Czechia
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE5, ERC-2015-CoG
Summary The suite of graphene’s unique properties and applications can be enormously enhanced by its functionalization. As non-covalently functionalized graphenes do not target all graphene’s properties and may suffer from limited stability, covalent functionalization represents a promising way for controlling graphene’s properties. To date, only a few well-defined graphene derivatives have been introduced. Among them, fluorographene (FG) stands out as a prominent member because of its easy synthesis and high stability. Being a perfluorinated hydrocarbon, FG was believed to be as unreactive as the two-dimensional counterpart perfluoropolyethylene (Teflon®). However, our recent experiments showed that FG is not chemically inert and can be used as a viable precursor for synthesizing graphene derivatives. This surprising behavior indicates that common textbook grade knowledge cannot blindly be applied to the chemistry of 2D materials. Further, there might be specific rules behind the chemistry of 2D materials, forming a new chemical discipline we tentatively call 2D chemistry. The main aim of the project is to explore, identify and apply the rules of 2D chemistry starting from FG. Using the knowledge gained of 2D chemistry, we will attempt to control the chemistry of various 2D materials aimed at preparing stable graphene derivatives with designed properties, e.g., 1-3 eV band gap, fluorescent properties, sustainable magnetic ordering and dispersability in polar media. The new graphene derivatives will be applied in sensing, imaging, magnetic delivery and catalysis and new emerging applications arising from the synergistic phenomena are expected. We envisage that new applications will be opened up that benefit from the 2D scaffold and tailored properties of the synthesized derivatives. The derivatives will be used for the synthesis of 3D hybrid materials by covalent linking of the 2D sheets joined with other organic and inorganic molecules, nanomaterials or biomacromolecules.
Summary
The suite of graphene’s unique properties and applications can be enormously enhanced by its functionalization. As non-covalently functionalized graphenes do not target all graphene’s properties and may suffer from limited stability, covalent functionalization represents a promising way for controlling graphene’s properties. To date, only a few well-defined graphene derivatives have been introduced. Among them, fluorographene (FG) stands out as a prominent member because of its easy synthesis and high stability. Being a perfluorinated hydrocarbon, FG was believed to be as unreactive as the two-dimensional counterpart perfluoropolyethylene (Teflon®). However, our recent experiments showed that FG is not chemically inert and can be used as a viable precursor for synthesizing graphene derivatives. This surprising behavior indicates that common textbook grade knowledge cannot blindly be applied to the chemistry of 2D materials. Further, there might be specific rules behind the chemistry of 2D materials, forming a new chemical discipline we tentatively call 2D chemistry. The main aim of the project is to explore, identify and apply the rules of 2D chemistry starting from FG. Using the knowledge gained of 2D chemistry, we will attempt to control the chemistry of various 2D materials aimed at preparing stable graphene derivatives with designed properties, e.g., 1-3 eV band gap, fluorescent properties, sustainable magnetic ordering and dispersability in polar media. The new graphene derivatives will be applied in sensing, imaging, magnetic delivery and catalysis and new emerging applications arising from the synergistic phenomena are expected. We envisage that new applications will be opened up that benefit from the 2D scaffold and tailored properties of the synthesized derivatives. The derivatives will be used for the synthesis of 3D hybrid materials by covalent linking of the 2D sheets joined with other organic and inorganic molecules, nanomaterials or biomacromolecules.
Max ERC Funding
1 831 103 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-06-01, End date: 2022-05-31
Project acronym 2MoveMate4Melanoma
Project A treatment for BRAF inhibitor resistant melanoma
Researcher (PI) Rene BERNARDS
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING HET NEDERLANDS KANKER INSTITUUT-ANTONI VAN LEEUWENHOEK ZIEKENHUIS
Country Netherlands
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Some 50% of human melanoma tumors have activating mutations in the BRAF gene. BRAF inhibitor drugs given either alone or in combination with MEK inhibitors have improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma. However, drug resistance invariably limits the duration of clinical benefit of such treatments and is almost always associated with re-activation of signaling through the MAP kinase pathway in the presence of drug due to secondary mutations in the pathway. This highlights the urgent need to develop strategies to treat melanomas that have developed resistance to BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors.
As part of an ERC advanced grant, my laboratory has shown that BRAF inhibitor withdrawal in melanomas that have developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors leads to a transient growth arrest that is the consequence of temporary hyperactivation of signaling through the MAP kinase pathway, explaining the so called “drug holiday effect”. We have also found that subsequent treatment of such BRAF inhibitor resistant melanomas with Histone DeACetylase inhibitor drugs (HDACi) leads to persistent hyperactivation of MAP kinase signaling, causing both chronic proliferation arrest and cell death, ultimately leading to complete regression of BRAF-inhibitor resistant melanomas in mice.
We propose here to perform a proof of concept study in at least 10 evaluable melanoma patients that, after proven initial tumor response, have developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors to validate that subsequent treatment of such patients with an HDACi drug will result in durable responses. Translational studies on tumor biopsies taken before, during and after HDACi treatment will be performed to study the cellular effects of HDACi treatment. Our goal is to provide initial proof of concept in patients for use of this sequential BRAFi-HDACi therapy as the treatment of choice for the some 40,000 BRAF mutant melanomas that are diagnosed in the EU annually.
Summary
Some 50% of human melanoma tumors have activating mutations in the BRAF gene. BRAF inhibitor drugs given either alone or in combination with MEK inhibitors have improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma. However, drug resistance invariably limits the duration of clinical benefit of such treatments and is almost always associated with re-activation of signaling through the MAP kinase pathway in the presence of drug due to secondary mutations in the pathway. This highlights the urgent need to develop strategies to treat melanomas that have developed resistance to BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors.
As part of an ERC advanced grant, my laboratory has shown that BRAF inhibitor withdrawal in melanomas that have developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors leads to a transient growth arrest that is the consequence of temporary hyperactivation of signaling through the MAP kinase pathway, explaining the so called “drug holiday effect”. We have also found that subsequent treatment of such BRAF inhibitor resistant melanomas with Histone DeACetylase inhibitor drugs (HDACi) leads to persistent hyperactivation of MAP kinase signaling, causing both chronic proliferation arrest and cell death, ultimately leading to complete regression of BRAF-inhibitor resistant melanomas in mice.
We propose here to perform a proof of concept study in at least 10 evaluable melanoma patients that, after proven initial tumor response, have developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors to validate that subsequent treatment of such patients with an HDACi drug will result in durable responses. Translational studies on tumor biopsies taken before, during and after HDACi treatment will be performed to study the cellular effects of HDACi treatment. Our goal is to provide initial proof of concept in patients for use of this sequential BRAFi-HDACi therapy as the treatment of choice for the some 40,000 BRAF mutant melanomas that are diagnosed in the EU annually.
Max ERC Funding
149 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-05-01, End date: 2017-10-31
Project acronym 3D-FABRIC
Project 3D Flow Analysis in Bijels Reconfigured for Interfacial Catalysis
Researcher (PI) Martin F. HAASE
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Country Netherlands
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2018-STG
Summary The objective of this proposal is to determine the unknown criteria for convective cross-flow in bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels). Based on this, we will answer the question: Can continuously operated interfacial catalysis be realized in bijel cross-flow reactors? Demonstrating this potential will introduce a broadly applicable chemical technology, replacing wasteful chemical processes that require organic solvents. We will achieve our objective in three steps:
(a) Control over bijel structure and properties. Bijels will be formed with a selection of functional inorganic colloidal particles. Nanoparticle surface modifications will be developed and extensively characterized. General principles for the parameters determining bijel structures and properties will be established based on confocal and electron microscopy characterization. These principles will enable unprecedented control over bijel formation and will allow for designing desired properties.
(b) Convective flow in bijels. The mechanical strength of bijels will be tailored and measured. With mechanically robust bijels, the influence of size and organization of oil/water channels on convective mass transfer in bijels will be investigated. To this end, a bijel mass transfer apparatus fabricated by 3d-printing of bijel fibers and soft photolithography will be introduced. In conjunction with the following objective, the analysis of convective flows in bijels will facilitate a thorough description of their structure/function relationships.
(c) Biphasic chemical reactions in STrIPS bijel cross-flow reactors. First, continuous extraction in bijels will be realized. Next, conditions to carry out continuously-operated, phase transfer catalysis of well-known model reactions in bijels will be determined. Both processes will be characterized in-situ and in 3-dimensions by confocal microscopy of fluorescent phase transfer reactions in transparent bijels.
Summary
The objective of this proposal is to determine the unknown criteria for convective cross-flow in bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels). Based on this, we will answer the question: Can continuously operated interfacial catalysis be realized in bijel cross-flow reactors? Demonstrating this potential will introduce a broadly applicable chemical technology, replacing wasteful chemical processes that require organic solvents. We will achieve our objective in three steps:
(a) Control over bijel structure and properties. Bijels will be formed with a selection of functional inorganic colloidal particles. Nanoparticle surface modifications will be developed and extensively characterized. General principles for the parameters determining bijel structures and properties will be established based on confocal and electron microscopy characterization. These principles will enable unprecedented control over bijel formation and will allow for designing desired properties.
(b) Convective flow in bijels. The mechanical strength of bijels will be tailored and measured. With mechanically robust bijels, the influence of size and organization of oil/water channels on convective mass transfer in bijels will be investigated. To this end, a bijel mass transfer apparatus fabricated by 3d-printing of bijel fibers and soft photolithography will be introduced. In conjunction with the following objective, the analysis of convective flows in bijels will facilitate a thorough description of their structure/function relationships.
(c) Biphasic chemical reactions in STrIPS bijel cross-flow reactors. First, continuous extraction in bijels will be realized. Next, conditions to carry out continuously-operated, phase transfer catalysis of well-known model reactions in bijels will be determined. Both processes will be characterized in-situ and in 3-dimensions by confocal microscopy of fluorescent phase transfer reactions in transparent bijels.
Max ERC Funding
1 905 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-06-01, End date: 2024-05-31
Project acronym 3D-FM
Project Taking Force Microscopy into the Third Dimension
Researcher (PI) Tjerk Hendrik Oosterkamp
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
Country Netherlands
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2007-StG
Summary I propose to pursue two emerging Force Microscopy techniques that allow measuring structural properties below the surface of the specimen. Whereas Force Microscopy (most commonly known under the name AFM) is usually limited to measuring the surface topography and surface properties of a specimen, I will demonstrate that Force Microscopy can achieve true 3D images of the structure of the cell nucleus. In Ultrasound Force Microscopy, an ultrasound wave is launched from below towards the surface of the specimen. After the sound waves interact with structures beneath the surface of the specimen, the local variations in the amplitude and phase shift of the ultrasonic surface motion is collected by the Force Microscopy tip. Previously, measured 2D maps of the surface response have shown that the surface response is sensitive to structures below the surface. In this project I will employ miniature AFM cantilevers and nanotube tips that I have already developed in my lab. This will allow me to quickly acquire many such 2D maps at a much wider range of ultrasound frequencies and from these 2D maps calculate the full 3D structure below the surface. I expect this technique to have a resolving power better than 10 nm in three dimensions as far as 2 microns below the surface. In parallel I will introduce a major improvement to a technique based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy measures the interaction of a rotating nuclear spin in the field gradient of a magnetic Force Microscopy tip. However, these forces are so small that they pose an enormous challenge. Miniature cantilevers and nanotube tips, in combination with additional innovations in the detection of the cantilever motion, can overcome this problem. I expect to be able to measure the combined signal of 100 proton spins or fewer, which will allow me to measure proton densities with a resolution of 5 nm, but possibly even with atomic resolution.
Summary
I propose to pursue two emerging Force Microscopy techniques that allow measuring structural properties below the surface of the specimen. Whereas Force Microscopy (most commonly known under the name AFM) is usually limited to measuring the surface topography and surface properties of a specimen, I will demonstrate that Force Microscopy can achieve true 3D images of the structure of the cell nucleus. In Ultrasound Force Microscopy, an ultrasound wave is launched from below towards the surface of the specimen. After the sound waves interact with structures beneath the surface of the specimen, the local variations in the amplitude and phase shift of the ultrasonic surface motion is collected by the Force Microscopy tip. Previously, measured 2D maps of the surface response have shown that the surface response is sensitive to structures below the surface. In this project I will employ miniature AFM cantilevers and nanotube tips that I have already developed in my lab. This will allow me to quickly acquire many such 2D maps at a much wider range of ultrasound frequencies and from these 2D maps calculate the full 3D structure below the surface. I expect this technique to have a resolving power better than 10 nm in three dimensions as far as 2 microns below the surface. In parallel I will introduce a major improvement to a technique based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy measures the interaction of a rotating nuclear spin in the field gradient of a magnetic Force Microscopy tip. However, these forces are so small that they pose an enormous challenge. Miniature cantilevers and nanotube tips, in combination with additional innovations in the detection of the cantilever motion, can overcome this problem. I expect to be able to measure the combined signal of 100 proton spins or fewer, which will allow me to measure proton densities with a resolution of 5 nm, but possibly even with atomic resolution.
Max ERC Funding
1 794 960 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-08-01, End date: 2013-07-31
Project acronym 3D-JOINT
Project 3D Bioprinting of JOINT Replacements
Researcher (PI) Johannes Jos Malda
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM UTRECHT
Country Netherlands
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS7, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary The world has a significant medical challenge in repairing injured or diseased joints. Joint degeneration and its related pain is a major socio-economic burden that will increase over the next decade and is currently addressed by implanting a metal prosthesis. For the long term, the ideal solution to joint injury is to successfully regenerate rather than replace the damaged cartilage with synthetic implants. Recent advances in key technologies are now bringing this “holy grail” within reach; regenerative approaches, based on cell therapy, are already clinically available albeit only for smaller focal cartilage defects.
One of these key technologies is three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing, which provides a greatly controlled placement and organization of living constructs through the layer-by-layer deposition of materials and cells. These tissue constructs can be applied as tissue models for research and screening. However, the lack of biomechanical properties of these tissue constructs has hampered their application to the regeneration of damaged, degenerated or diseased tissue.
Having established a cartilage-focussed research laboratory in the University Medical Center Utrecht, I have addressed this biomechanical limitation of hydrogels through the use of hydrogel composites. Specifically, I have pioneered a 3D bio-printing technology that combines accurately printed small diameter thermoplast filaments with cell invasive hydrogels to form strong fibre-reinforced constructs. This, in combination with bioreactor technology, is the key to the generation of larger, complex tissue constructs with cartilage-like biomechanical resilience. With 3D-JOINT I will use my in-depth bio-printing and bioreactor knowledge and experience to develop a multi-phasic 3D-printed biological replacement of the joint.
Summary
The world has a significant medical challenge in repairing injured or diseased joints. Joint degeneration and its related pain is a major socio-economic burden that will increase over the next decade and is currently addressed by implanting a metal prosthesis. For the long term, the ideal solution to joint injury is to successfully regenerate rather than replace the damaged cartilage with synthetic implants. Recent advances in key technologies are now bringing this “holy grail” within reach; regenerative approaches, based on cell therapy, are already clinically available albeit only for smaller focal cartilage defects.
One of these key technologies is three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing, which provides a greatly controlled placement and organization of living constructs through the layer-by-layer deposition of materials and cells. These tissue constructs can be applied as tissue models for research and screening. However, the lack of biomechanical properties of these tissue constructs has hampered their application to the regeneration of damaged, degenerated or diseased tissue.
Having established a cartilage-focussed research laboratory in the University Medical Center Utrecht, I have addressed this biomechanical limitation of hydrogels through the use of hydrogel composites. Specifically, I have pioneered a 3D bio-printing technology that combines accurately printed small diameter thermoplast filaments with cell invasive hydrogels to form strong fibre-reinforced constructs. This, in combination with bioreactor technology, is the key to the generation of larger, complex tissue constructs with cartilage-like biomechanical resilience. With 3D-JOINT I will use my in-depth bio-printing and bioreactor knowledge and experience to develop a multi-phasic 3D-printed biological replacement of the joint.
Max ERC Funding
1 998 871 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-07-01, End date: 2020-06-30
Project acronym 3D-VIEW
Project Seeing the invisible: Light-based 3D imaging of opaque nanostructures
Researcher (PI) Stefan WITTE
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN
Country Netherlands
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE7, ERC-2019-COG
Summary Nanostructures drive the world around us. Every modern electronic device contains integrated circuits and nano-electronics to provide its functionality. Advances in nanotechnology directly impact society by enabling smartphones, autonomous devices, the internet of things, data storage, and essentially all forms of advanced technology. Fabricating such nanostructures crucially depends on having the tools to make them visible without destroying them. Modern nanodevices often have complex three-dimensional architectures with small features in all dimensions. While imaging methods that achieve nanometer-scale resolution exist, there are currently no compact tools that can look inside 3D nanostructures made out of metals and semiconductors without damaging their delicate internal structure. I will address this challenge by developing compact tools to image 3D nanostructures in a non-invasive way. Even though most nanostructures are completely opaque to visible light, I will develop light-based methods, combined with computational imaging techniques developed in my previous ERC project, to look inside them with unprecedented resolution and contrast. Light-based imaging is unparalleled in speed and versatility, and allows contact-free detection. My proposal is to: 1) Use compact laser-produced soft-X-ray sources to image nanostructures with high 3D resolution and element-sensitive contrast; 2) Use laser-induced ultrasound pulses to image complex 3D nanostructures, even through strongly absorbing materials; 3) Employ computational imaging methods to reconstruct high-resolution 3D object images from the resulting complex diffraction signals. I will forge a coordinated research program to bring these concepts to reality. This program provides exciting prospects for fundamental science and industrial metrology. I will go beyond the state-of-the-art in nano-imaging, to extend our vision into the complex interior of the smallest structures found in science and technology.
Summary
Nanostructures drive the world around us. Every modern electronic device contains integrated circuits and nano-electronics to provide its functionality. Advances in nanotechnology directly impact society by enabling smartphones, autonomous devices, the internet of things, data storage, and essentially all forms of advanced technology. Fabricating such nanostructures crucially depends on having the tools to make them visible without destroying them. Modern nanodevices often have complex three-dimensional architectures with small features in all dimensions. While imaging methods that achieve nanometer-scale resolution exist, there are currently no compact tools that can look inside 3D nanostructures made out of metals and semiconductors without damaging their delicate internal structure. I will address this challenge by developing compact tools to image 3D nanostructures in a non-invasive way. Even though most nanostructures are completely opaque to visible light, I will develop light-based methods, combined with computational imaging techniques developed in my previous ERC project, to look inside them with unprecedented resolution and contrast. Light-based imaging is unparalleled in speed and versatility, and allows contact-free detection. My proposal is to: 1) Use compact laser-produced soft-X-ray sources to image nanostructures with high 3D resolution and element-sensitive contrast; 2) Use laser-induced ultrasound pulses to image complex 3D nanostructures, even through strongly absorbing materials; 3) Employ computational imaging methods to reconstruct high-resolution 3D object images from the resulting complex diffraction signals. I will forge a coordinated research program to bring these concepts to reality. This program provides exciting prospects for fundamental science and industrial metrology. I will go beyond the state-of-the-art in nano-imaging, to extend our vision into the complex interior of the smallest structures found in science and technology.
Max ERC Funding
2 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2020-10-01, End date: 2025-09-30
Project acronym 3MC
Project 3D Model Catalysts to explore new routes to sustainable fuels
Researcher (PI) Petra Elisabeth De jongh
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Country Netherlands
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE4, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary Currently fuels, plastics, and drugs are predominantly manufactured from oil. A transition towards renewable resources critically depends on new catalysts, for instance to convert small molecules (such as solar or biomass derived hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water and carbon dioxide) into more complex ones (such as oxygenates, containing oxygen atoms in their structure). Catalyst development now often depends on trial and error rather than rational design, as the heterogeneity of these composite systems hampers detailed understanding of the role of each of the components.
I propose 3D model catalysts as a novel enabling tool to overcome this problem. Their well-defined nature allows unprecedented precision in the variation of structural parameters (morphology, spatial distribution) of the individual components, while at the same time they mimic real catalysts closely enough to allow testing under industrially relevant conditions. Using this approach I will address fundamental questions, such as:
* What are the mechanisms (structural, electronic, chemical) by which non-metal promoters influence the functionality of copper-based catalysts?
* Which nanoalloys can be formed, how does their composition influence the surface active sites and catalytic functionality under reaction conditions?
* Which size and interface effects occur, and how can we use them to tune the actitivity and selectivity towards desired products?
Our 3D model catalysts will be assembled from ordered mesoporous silica and carbon support materials and Cu-based promoted and bimetallic nanoparticles. The combination with high resolution characterization and testing under realistic conditions allows detailed insight into the role of the different components; critical for the rational design of novel catalysts for a future more sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.
Summary
Currently fuels, plastics, and drugs are predominantly manufactured from oil. A transition towards renewable resources critically depends on new catalysts, for instance to convert small molecules (such as solar or biomass derived hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water and carbon dioxide) into more complex ones (such as oxygenates, containing oxygen atoms in their structure). Catalyst development now often depends on trial and error rather than rational design, as the heterogeneity of these composite systems hampers detailed understanding of the role of each of the components.
I propose 3D model catalysts as a novel enabling tool to overcome this problem. Their well-defined nature allows unprecedented precision in the variation of structural parameters (morphology, spatial distribution) of the individual components, while at the same time they mimic real catalysts closely enough to allow testing under industrially relevant conditions. Using this approach I will address fundamental questions, such as:
* What are the mechanisms (structural, electronic, chemical) by which non-metal promoters influence the functionality of copper-based catalysts?
* Which nanoalloys can be formed, how does their composition influence the surface active sites and catalytic functionality under reaction conditions?
* Which size and interface effects occur, and how can we use them to tune the actitivity and selectivity towards desired products?
Our 3D model catalysts will be assembled from ordered mesoporous silica and carbon support materials and Cu-based promoted and bimetallic nanoparticles. The combination with high resolution characterization and testing under realistic conditions allows detailed insight into the role of the different components; critical for the rational design of novel catalysts for a future more sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 625 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-09-01, End date: 2020-11-30
Project acronym 4C
Project 4C technology: uncovering the multi-dimensional structure of the genome
Researcher (PI) Wouter Leonard De Laat
Host Institution (HI) KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW
Country Netherlands
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary The architecture of DNA in the cell nucleus is an emerging epigenetic key contributor to genome function. We recently developed 4C technology, a high-throughput technique that combines state-of-the-art 3C technology with tailored micro-arrays to uniquely allow for an unbiased genome-wide search for DNA loci that interact in the nuclear space. Based on 4C technology, we were the first to provide a comprehensive overview of long-range DNA contacts of selected loci. The data showed that active and inactive chromatin domains contact many distinct regions within and between chromosomes and genes switch long-range DNA contacts in relation to their expression status. 4C technology not only allows investigating the three-dimensional structure of DNA in the nucleus, it also accurately reconstructs at least 10 megabases of the one-dimensional chromosome sequence map around the target sequence. Changes in this physical map as a result of genomic rearrangements are therefore identified by 4C technology. We recently demonstrated that 4C detects deletions, balanced inversions and translocations in patient samples at a resolution (~7kb) that allowed immediate sequencing of the breakpoints. Excitingly, 4C technology therefore offers the first high-resolution genomic approach that can identify both balanced and unbalanced genomic rearrangements. 4C is expected to become an important tool in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Key objectives of this proposal are: 1. Explore the functional significance of DNA folding in the nucleus by systematically applying 4C technology to differentially expressed gene loci. 2. Adapt 4C technology such that it allows for massive parallel analysis of DNA interactions between regulatory elements and gene promoters. This method would greatly facilitate the identification of functionally relevant DNA elements in the genome. 3. Develop 4C technology into a clinical diagnostic tool for the accurate detection of balanced and unbalanced rearrangements.
Summary
The architecture of DNA in the cell nucleus is an emerging epigenetic key contributor to genome function. We recently developed 4C technology, a high-throughput technique that combines state-of-the-art 3C technology with tailored micro-arrays to uniquely allow for an unbiased genome-wide search for DNA loci that interact in the nuclear space. Based on 4C technology, we were the first to provide a comprehensive overview of long-range DNA contacts of selected loci. The data showed that active and inactive chromatin domains contact many distinct regions within and between chromosomes and genes switch long-range DNA contacts in relation to their expression status. 4C technology not only allows investigating the three-dimensional structure of DNA in the nucleus, it also accurately reconstructs at least 10 megabases of the one-dimensional chromosome sequence map around the target sequence. Changes in this physical map as a result of genomic rearrangements are therefore identified by 4C technology. We recently demonstrated that 4C detects deletions, balanced inversions and translocations in patient samples at a resolution (~7kb) that allowed immediate sequencing of the breakpoints. Excitingly, 4C technology therefore offers the first high-resolution genomic approach that can identify both balanced and unbalanced genomic rearrangements. 4C is expected to become an important tool in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Key objectives of this proposal are: 1. Explore the functional significance of DNA folding in the nucleus by systematically applying 4C technology to differentially expressed gene loci. 2. Adapt 4C technology such that it allows for massive parallel analysis of DNA interactions between regulatory elements and gene promoters. This method would greatly facilitate the identification of functionally relevant DNA elements in the genome. 3. Develop 4C technology into a clinical diagnostic tool for the accurate detection of balanced and unbalanced rearrangements.
Max ERC Funding
1 225 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-09-01, End date: 2013-08-31
Project acronym 4D
Project Designing Devices by Doping on Demand
Researcher (PI) Arjan HOUTEPEN
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
Country Netherlands
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary Electronic doping, the control over the charge carrier density, is at the heart of the success of the semiconductor industry. Promising new semiconductor materials like conductive polymers, fullerenes and quantum dots cannot be doped by traditional doping methods. The applicant and his group have developed a general method to dope these materials on demand with an electrochemical method, combined with photopolymerization of the solvents and electrolyte ions. This methods allows to precisely control the charge density in these new semiconductor materials and also allows patterning of the doping density via methods akin to photolithography used in the semiconductor industry. This enable the design of new device geometries, such as lateral pn junctions that could allow easy on chip integration of e.g. solution processable LEDs. The goal of this proof-of-concept application is to investigate the application potential of this newly developed technology. In particular it involves the development of demonstrator devices to showcase the technique’s potential, to investigate and protect the intellectual property and to analyze the interest from key industrial stakeholders in this technology. When successful, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the semiconductor industry. It could be of great economic potential and in addition may contribute to achieving sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption of lamps and displays and by offering new and improved means to harvest solar via highly efficient solution processable solar cells.
Summary
Electronic doping, the control over the charge carrier density, is at the heart of the success of the semiconductor industry. Promising new semiconductor materials like conductive polymers, fullerenes and quantum dots cannot be doped by traditional doping methods. The applicant and his group have developed a general method to dope these materials on demand with an electrochemical method, combined with photopolymerization of the solvents and electrolyte ions. This methods allows to precisely control the charge density in these new semiconductor materials and also allows patterning of the doping density via methods akin to photolithography used in the semiconductor industry. This enable the design of new device geometries, such as lateral pn junctions that could allow easy on chip integration of e.g. solution processable LEDs. The goal of this proof-of-concept application is to investigate the application potential of this newly developed technology. In particular it involves the development of demonstrator devices to showcase the technique’s potential, to investigate and protect the intellectual property and to analyze the interest from key industrial stakeholders in this technology. When successful, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the semiconductor industry. It could be of great economic potential and in addition may contribute to achieving sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption of lamps and displays and by offering new and improved means to harvest solar via highly efficient solution processable solar cells.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-06-01, End date: 2020-11-30
