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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R97795/01
Title: Determination of the structural, chemical and electronic properties of nanoparticle macro-assemblies using soft X-ray and synchrotron radiation probes
Principal Investigator: Hamilton, Professor B
Other Investigators:
Flavell, Professor W
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Manchester, The
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2003 Ends: 31 October 2006 Value (£): 168,473
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
GR/R97801/01
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
17 Apr 2002 Photonics Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposal is concerned with exploring the links between structure, chemistry and electronic properties of solids formed from assemblies of nanoparticles. The research will combine nanoparticle synthesis with experimental probes, largely based on XW synchrotron radiation in order to develop an understanding of the electronic characteristics associated with these arrays. The work will exploit the high flux and high resolution of the new MPW 6.1 (PHOENIX) beamline at the SRS, which has recently been commissioned specifically for work of this kind. The beamline has outstanding performance in the XW, with flux which is comparable to that provided by 3rd generation SR sources. Two main experimental systems will be studied, semiconductor core-shell nanoparticles, for example those based on CdS/CdSe, and electrodes based on nanocrystalline oxides such as TiO2, which are of importance in dye-sensitsed photovoltaic cells. In both cases, the emphasis will be on developing an understanding of the chemical and electronic structure of the nanoparticle array which may be used to guide and tailor subsequent synthesis of materials manufacturable in a robust thin film form ultimately capable of supporting a device technology. The SR probes used will inlcude XAS combined with optical luminescence, EXAFS, resonant photoemission and total electron yield measurements, and these will be supplemented by in house measurements by STM, photoluminescence and electron microscopy.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.man.ac.uk