The Network’s program

The focus of modern solid-state technology is currently shifting from applications based on a single property (e.g., electric, magnetic, and elastic) to those based on the coupling of different fields where a coupled materials response can be either used for characterization or as a basis for novel applications. In the last few years, it has become clear that the coupled electromechanical response of materials (i.e., mechanical deformation under applied electric bias) can be used not only as an universal tool for studying diverse materials classes at the nanoscale but is becoming indispensable for the development of the next generation of multifunctional materials (piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, multiferroics, ionic conductors, and polar biomaterials) and composites. Novel nanoelectromechanical tools (Piezoresponse Force Microscopy - PFM, Electrochemical Strain Microscopy - ESM, and as well their combination with traditional Scanning Probe Microscopies - SPM) have been introduced for studying emergent materials and applications. This has recently led to a substantial progress in the development of novel multiferroics, photovoltaics, biopiezoelectrics, and battery materials. The emergent field of nanoelectromechanics requires coordinated action at the European level as further progress in this field largely relies on the education and dissemination of best practices in application of PFM/ESM to a large number of functional materials. NANOMOTION is intended to train the next generation of engineers and technologists in the fundamental aspects of the nanoelectromechanics, to apply advanced PFM/ESM tools to study a wide range of functional materials in collaboration with interested industrial partners, and to create an European-based pool of researchers in this area.

Project Overview

Please hit the links on each line for reaching the detailed description of the project. Or the respective job offer (blue). Or scroll down.

1. Lead-free piezoelectrics and their nanoscale characterization

1A – Size effects in nanostructured lead-free piezoelectrics (Spain/Ireland)
         (Job offer ESR 1)

1B – Piezoresponse force microscopy of lead-free piezoelectrics (Germany/England)
         (Job offer ESR 2)

1C – Nanostructured lead-free piezoelectrics for adverse environments (Ireland/Spain/Portugal)
         (Job offer ESR 3)

1D – Finite-element modelling of electromechanically coupled materials (Germany/Ireland)
         (Job offer ESR 4)

2. Magnetoelectrics and multiferroics at the nanoscale

2A – Nanoscale properties of multiferroic composites (England/Portugal/Germany)
         (Job offer ESR 5)

2B – Magnetoelectric effect in single phase multiferroics (England)
         (Job offer ESR 6)

2C – Magnetoelectric effect in core-shell multiferroic nanocomposites (Germany/England)
         (Job offer ESR 7)

3. Functional electromechanics in nanobiomaterials

3A – Piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity in amino acids (Portugal/Ireland)
         (Job offer ESR 8) check later

3B – Piezoelectric properties of aromatic peptides (layers, nanotubes, and arrays), (Ireland/Portugal)
         (Job offer ESR 9)

3C – Piezoelectric properties and high resolution imaging of DNA crystals. (Ireland/Portugal)
         (Job offer ESR 12, please observe the number out of sequence)

4. Li-ion batteries at the nanoscale and beyond

4A – Micro- and nanomechanics of Li-ion battery materials (Germany/Portugal)
         (Job offer ESR 10)

4B – Li-diffusion in Li-ion battery materials (Portugal/Germany)
         (Job offer ESR 11) check later

4C – SPM technology advancement (Experienced Researcher), (Portugal/Spain)
         (Job offer ER 1) check later

 More information at http://www.itn-nanomotion.eu/