chemical sciences
background to susana
Background of Research Programme
One of the most important challenges in modern technology is the need for increasing miniaturisation of devices and components. It is expected that traditional lithography techniques will soon reach their theoretical limit and as a result novel techniques, which allow a further decrease in the size of device components, will have to be developed. One of the options under consideration is the design of devices based on molecular size components. For example, individual molecules and nanoparticles may in the future perform functions in electronic circuitry currently performed by semiconductor devices. Molecular or nanoscale building blocks are hundreds of times smaller than the smallest features that can conceivably be attained using present semiconductor technology. The dramatic reduction in size and the sheer enormity of numbers that can be manufactured are the principal benefits that the use of nanoscale electronics can provide. Developments in this area depend on advances in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and materials research and a multidisciplinary approach will provide a fertile research ground for European researchers. The network encompasses a comprehensive approach to the basic steps toward the generation of functional nanosized assemblies. These steps expand from the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles and molecular components to the assembly of nanoswitches and sensing devices employing a powerful combination of material science techniques and interfacial chemistry.
Towards the engineering of nanoscale devices, a prominent challenges is the functionalisation of interfaces via assembling highly organised nanostructures. Large degree of organisation can be achieved on metal substrates by functionalising nanoparticles with appropriate organic and inorganic linkers. A relatively unexplored approach involves soft interfaces (liquids and gels), which provide not only fundamental insights on the correlation between organisation and reactivity at the molecular level, but also a novel path for designing new generations of ultrathin devices. Additionally, interfacial charge transfer plays an essential role in the disparate fields of nano-electronics, catalysis and bioenergetics. In order to deliver an impact in all these areas, a new type of interdisciplinary training is required encompassing nanoparticle and supramolecular chemistries, self-assembly, surface chemistry down to atomic resolution, surface spectroscopy, electrochemistry, computational chemistry and biophysics.
The economic importance is highlighted by the interest of a major electronics company, Philips Electronics Nederland B.V. , in this proposal and its commitment to provide training facilities to the young researchers involved in the project. The present project is of relevance to other EU 5th Framework Programmes such as IST and the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme, since potential applications can be expected in the development of nanoscale objects with electronic functionality and uses in, solar energy conversion
Project Objectives.
The aim of the Network is to provide an interdisciplinary training ground for young researchers in the emerging field of nanoscale electronics through a joint research programme in the fundamental aspects of controlled tunnelling through self-organised nanosized objects and charge transfer at nanostructured interfaces.
The scientific objectives of the project are:
- To fabricate switchable tunnelling junctions in which nanoparticles are linked to a metal contact or electrode through molecular bridges whose electron transfer barrier properties can be chemically, electrochemically or photonically switched.
- To transpose present knowledge on interfacial synthesis of functionalised nanoparticles to semiconducting materials (Q-particles) and to develop new methods for controlling size distribution, shape and morphology of particles.
- To investigate the use of templated interfacial systems for the synthesis of molecular wires and two-dimensional assemblies of nanoparticles including self-assembly of nanostructured amphiphilic groups at polarised soft-interfaces and electrochemical deposition of electronically conducting polymers in the presence of nanoparticles and establish a link between nanostructured soft and hard surfaces.
- To investigate the effect of the onset of the metal-insulator transition on the electrochemical properties of nanoparticulate films with a view to understand how the onset of collective properties influence the density of states in nanostructured materials and explore applications in electro- and photo-catalysis.
- To investigate the electronic and photonic properties of these novel supramolecular assemblies.
- To investigate single electron tunnelling events in self organised structures and functions made of switchable functionalised metal nanoparticles and develop an appropriate theoretical model that can serve as a basis for the prediction of relationship between structure and electronic transfer function.
- To develop applications to bio-analysis for example, by protein labelling by metal and semiconducting nanoparticles. Fundamental aspects that will be addressed involve the interaction between proteins and nanoparticles. The new redox compounds developed during the project will be employed for the synthesis of novel switchable nanoparticles.
Training Component
The aim of the training programme is to increase the knowledge base and experience in novel techniques, and develop communication skills of young researchers in the area of nanostructured soft interfaces.
The training objectives are:
- To meet the expectations of potential employers by providing our trainees with both a broad understanding of the subject area as well as a range of analytical and research skills,
- To enhance the achievements of our trainees by providing an optimum learning environment and developing their capabilities for transforming the knowledge base into efficient research practices,
- To promote transnational, interdisciplinary research by working as a virtual institute where the trainees interact with other teams and have access to all the joint research infrastructures.
- To provide those generally transferable lifetime skills, such as communication skills, team work, leadership, and organization of events, of value to trainees throughout their subsequent careers.
