Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R35988/01
Title:	The Structure & Electronic Properties of Metal Solutions
Principal Investigator:	Skipper, Professor N
Other Investigators:	Edwards, Professor P
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Merck Ltd STFC Laboratories (Grouped) University of Birmingham
Department:	Physics and Astronomy
Organisation:	UCL
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 May 2001	Ends:	30 September 2004	Value (£):	257,205
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Condensed Matter Physics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Electronics Energy
Related Grants:	GR/R52961/02
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
We will investigate the structure and electronic properties of metal-amine metal solutions , in which excess electrons exist as solvated species. We are seeking the answers to fundamental questions underlying the behaviour of these fascinating and complex electronic liquids. For example: the solvation of electrons and ions, the metal-nonmetal (M-NM) transition, liquid-liquid phase separation, and fulleride-fulleride interactions. The research will exploit sample preparation and experimental techniques developed by our team, and neutron scattering facilities unique to the UK. Our overall strategy will cross-correlate complementary neutron, X-ray, conductivity, near-IR, ESR, and NMR experiments. In our studies of metal-amine solutions we will systematically vary the dielectric constant of the solvent from 16 (ammonia) to 5 (ethylamine), and examine the effect of ion size and valence. We will assess in detail the role of solvent and cation on the metal-nonmetal transition, and study a number of electronic and ionic species not normally associated with metal-ammonia solutions. We also propose the first concerted research effort into recently discovered metalamine-fulleride solutions. Our priority will be to establish the electronic properties, and to relate these to the microscopic structure. Again, we will probe the effects of solvent and metal cation, with an aim to investigate metal solutions as a medium for nanofabrication of carbon structures.
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