Defect Chemistry and Protonic Conductivity of Polymer-Templated Mesostructured Thin Film Oxide Ceramics and Nanocomposites

• Applicants: Dr. Torsten Brezesinski; Dr. Matthias Thomas Elm
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 360678694

This project aims at investigating the influence of surface effects on both the transport properties and surface defect chemistry of mesostructured Ce- and Zr-based thin film oxide ceramics by combining electrochemical measurements with surface and grain structure characterizations and modeling. High surface area films of thickness > 100 nm will be produced through solution phase processing by use of different sol-gel precursors and polymer structure-directing agents. Furthermore, atomic layer deposition will be used to create nanocomposites with tailored structural and microstructural properties by coating the pore walls of the polymertemplated materials. Overall, this project is dedicated to gaining a deep understanding of the space charge layer as well as surface and strain effects on the electronic, ionic and protonic conductivity in mesostructured nanocrystalline metal oxide thin films and to exploring the potential that such materials might have for the future.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr.-Ing. Horst Hahn; Professor Dr. Christian Heiliger; Professor Dr. Peter J. Klar; Professor Dr. Herbert Over