NANOCAGE · Imaging, spectroscopy and theory of caged atoms: a multi-faceted phd training programme
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2004-06-01 → 2008-05-31
- EU contribution
- €1,094,200
- Participants
- 4
- Scheme
- EST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - NANOCAGE (Imaging, Spectroscopy and Theory of Caged Atoms: A Multi-faceted PhD Training Programme)
The NANOCAGE project focussed on measuring and modifying the properties of a variety of fullerene molecules on a range of surfaces, both metal and semiconductor. Particular attention was paid to endohedral fullerenes, i.e. carbon cages with an atom, or molecule, trapped inside them, and the work carried out during the project elucidated important aspects of the chemical and electronic properties of these exotic molecules. A variety of experimental and theoretical tools, including scanning probe microscopy, both scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, synchrotron-based spectroscopy and density functional theory, were used to study the molecule-substrate and intermolecular interactions. The project was also extended, in the light of scientific developments in the field, to encompass the study of carbon nanotubes, phthalocyanine molecules and novel peapod systems comprising phthalocyanine molecules encapsulated in nanotubes. The key advances stemming from the project included: 1. selective adsorption of C60 molecules on Ge nanowires on Si surfaces 2. conductance measurements on individual Ce endofullerene molecules 3. encapsulation of phthalocyanine molecules in carbon nanotubes, and 4. a comprehensive combined experimental and theoretical study of adsorbed phthalocyanine molecules providing key insights into the changes in electronic and geometric structure induced by adsorption.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This early stage training (EST) project comprises four hosts with internationally leading expertise in complementary areas ofnanoscale science and technology (viz., the Nanoscience Group, University of Nottingham, UK (NOTTM);Forshungszentrum Juelich, Germa ny (FZJ); National Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC), Cork, Ireland, and QueenMary and Westfield College, London, UK (QM)). The importance of training in nanoscience for the European Research Area(ERA) cannot be understated: as highlighted in a recen t Institute for Prospective Technological Studies report produced bythe Commission, although nanotechnology plays a central role in the development of future information and communicationtechnologies (ICTs), the US currently occupies a predominant position in the ICT sector. The NANOCAGE project wepropose represents a unique opportunity to bring together a number of leading European nanoscience groups on a researchproblem which involves not only a novel materials system but a variety of cutting edge spectro scopie techniques.Interpretation of the spectroscopie measurements will in turn be facilitated by the application of a number of powerfultheoretical methods. This combination of interdisciplinary research, challenging experimental techniques, an exotic mat erialssystem (as described below), and comprehensive theoretical work will provide an exceptionally strong PhD trainingprogramme in nanoscience within the multi-host EST network.The network comprises a 'critical mass' of researchers who - through a combina tion of a broad range of experimental andtheoretical techniques - will address fundamental and pressing issues related to the structure, interactions, and dynamics ofendofullerenes on metal and semiconductor surfaces. Endofullerenes represent a remarkable form of matter where an atomor cluster of atoms is encapsulated within a fullerene cage. With potential applications ranging from 'tracers' in biological#
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM · NOTTINGHAMCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
- FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JUELICH GMBH · JUELICHGermany
- QUEEN MARY AND WESTFIELD COLLEGE · LONDONUnited Kingdom
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK · CORKIreland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union