"Quantification of STEM HAADF image intensities for catalyst nanoparticle systems using novel EM techniques including EDX and EELS"

Supervisors:
Prof P D Nellist, Dr S Lozano-Perez and Dr D Ozkaya (Johnson-Matthey)

Project Description:
Heterostructure nanoparticles, for example containing two different metallic elements, can show improved catalytic activity at reduced cost compared to monometallic nanoparticles. Determining the atomic structure and the distribution of elements within such nanoparticles presents a severe characterisation challenge. Furthermore, in order to develop sufficient statistics to relate structure to activity, a large number of nanoparticles need to be measured requiring high throughput methods. Recent developments in electron microscopy allow atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy, and this project seeks to apply these methods to bimetallic catalyst nanoparticles making use of world-leading electron microscopes at Oxford and at the EPSRC National Facility for Aberration-Corrected STEM (SuperSTEM). A particular focus will be developing automated instrument control and data processing methods to allow the high throughput required. The project will supported by Johnson-Matthey, who will provide research materials and support, and financial support including a top-up to the student stipend.

This page gives details of all projects currently on offer for research towards a DPhil in Materials Science at the Department of Materials, University of Oxford.