Structured nanomaterials for applications in energy and information technology

Important results from the project

Regarding the scientific aims, the project has been successful, with several nanostructured oxides and composites systems have been prepared and evaluated. Aims regarding the career plan of the PI included development of microscopy skills, a broader professional network and qualification for lectureship. The project was successful regarding networking and microscopy, but after the first year the project has been delayed and also lost some of its initial momentum, and this has reduced my competitiveness for future lectureships.

Expected long term effects

We have prepared and studied ZnO materials; pure ZnO, SnOxZnO and (Zn,Fe)OxZnO composites, and Zn-W-oxides, and also other non-ZnO materials, e.g. pure and doped MnOx and YOx. The development and understanding of synthesis routes is an important contribution, both to nanostructured single phase oxides and to nanocomposites with narrow particle size distribution and even phase distribution. Most promising for future applications is the FeZnO systemet. It show catalytic properties for hydrogen production and an increased chemical stability compared to pure ZnO.

Approach and implementation

The first year I had a large enough group to have a high throughput in synthesis at UU while working at SU myself. Thus, the first year was very prosperous, and I turned down a lectureship at another university in order to continue the project. However, after my parental leave that followed, most of the group was gone, and it was not suitable to recruit new students for synthesis, which require lot of in-lab supervision, with me partly in Stockholm and my only PhD student writing up her thesis. This, combined with me working part-time, resulted in a considerable loss of momentum in the project.