The proposed project w111 build upon previous success (and experience) with a combined programme of computational, conductivity and muon studies of the perovskite-type oxides BaM03 (M = Zr, Pr,Th) and Ba2M'04 (M = Zr, Sri, INSb), some of which are receiving considerable attention as new proton conducting materials for fuel cell applications. The new interdisciplinary project will establish three main themes. The first concerns detailed simulation studies (based at Surrey) of the defect structure, the effects of doping and water incorporation in the target materials. Second, materials synthesis, conductivity and muon studies will be carried out (at Surrey and ISIS) in conjunction with the simulations to elucidate the structure and dynamics of proton behaviour. Finally, quantum mechanical techniques will be used (at Surrey) to examine, for the first time, the mechanism and energetics of proton migration in these complex oxides. This powerful synergy between simulation and experimental techniques will provide fresh insight into these important solid-state materials. Our considerable experience and past success in ion transport studies places us in a strong position to address key issues. In many instances, our project will be the first investigation of this type.

TBC 25/26

Thermal sensing and harvesting using pyroelectric materials is an emerging and active research topic with respect to the recovery of low-grade waste heat and infrared detection. However, current pyroelectric materials suffer from poor heat transfer and low efficiency and sensitivity, which limits their practical application. This project targets the modelling, synthesis and characterization of thin-film porous pyroelectric materials that are produced via an aqueous freeze tape casting. While the presence of porosity reduces the permittivity to improve sensing and harvesting performance, the incorporation of plasmonic nanofillers within porous structure will also significantly improve heat transfer. The challenge of this project stems on the control of the directional pores in the thin films and tailoring heat transfer as a result of localized pore heating due to plasmonic fillers. The combination of modelling, materials synthesis and characterization will lead to the development of a high performance multi-functional pyro-photo-thermal material for pyroelectric sensing and harvesting. The experience of the applicant in pyroelectric materials and the skills of the host in pyroelectric composites and plasmonics will be exploited on the design of the pyroelectric materials and the control of the plasmonic nanoparticles. The applicant will gain new expertise in finite element modelling and the preparation of porous pyroelectric composites offered by the host. This fellowship will be a key step in the applicant's career development by expanding her research and academic training. This will be facilitated by a focused training plan and the establishment of new long-term collaborations across the EU, and links with other leading thermal energy sensing and harvesting institutes/industries.

TBC

TBC 24/25