Objective
Nanometer-sized solids such as nanocrystals (NCs) or layers that are one or few atomic layers thick offer advantages in fields from catalysis to optoelectronics. However, they are mostly incompatible with ‘extreme’ conditions, e.g. high levels of radiation, harsh chemicals, or extreme temperatures as found in aerospace or deep-sea infrastructures. To introduce nanomaterials to these conditions, I propose to combine innovative chemical design and surface engineering to create thin films composed of colloidal metal boride NCs. Based on the boron chemistry, these NCs promise unparalleled levels of hardness and wear resistance when processed in thin films, paving the way for the development of solution-processable coatings with many functionalities and resistance to extreme conditions.
I will develop novel metal boride colloidal NCs, study their growth mechanisms and structure-property relationships, use solution processing to create thin films, and determine their mechanical and physical properties as functional materials in extreme conditions.
Main innovations are:(1) as traditional methods have been found wanting in terms of purity, yield, and morphology control, I will introduce innovative high-throughput solid-state synthesis techniques, setting the stage for scalable and reliable production; (2) I will explore the atomic-level surface dynamics and develop suitable ligands to achieve stable suspensions through surface engineering; (3) I will test and validate methodologies to turn individual NCs into solid thin films with similar robustness and stability as bulk materials.
BORNANO aims to introduce a new class of hard coatings and implement innovative processing methods for thin-film fabrication from colloidal suspensions. In parallel, it targets the fundamental understanding of the chemistry of metal boride colloidal NCs and their surface chemistry. These materials have potential applications in extreme condition technologies,from aerospace coatings to sensors.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.