| Abstract |
The scientific aim of this Fellowship is to investigate a novel class of complex fluids in which high concentrations of electrons are present as stable solvated species: so-called \andquot;electronic liquids\andquot;. These liquids are typically formed when a metal, such as sodium, is dissolved in ammonia. Such solutions contain a fascinating variety of solvated ionic and electronic species, including isolated polarons, spin-paired bipolarons, excitonic atoms, metal anions, and truly delocalised (itinerant) electrons. These species in turn give rise to remarkable bulk properties. For example; the time-honoured metal-nonmetal (M-NM) transition, liquid-liquid phase separation, very low density, deep pseudoeutectic (giving the lowest temperature liquid metals), high electrical conductivity, and highly aggressive redox reactivity. Technologically, the solutions are promoted as a reducing agent for toxic waste and chemical weapon disposal, as a catalyst for forming high-Tc fulleride superconductors, and as an advanced electrolyte for battery systems. The Host Institution has recently led great progress in our understanding of bulk electronic liquids. The primary aim of this Fellowship is to investigate the detailed structure and dynamics of these solutions in confined geometries, for example intercalated into graphite, and as a solvent for carbon nanostructures, such as fullerides and nanotubes. The project will be multidisciplinary, and will provide the Fellow with training in a variety of techniques and materials that are complementary to her current expertise. Neutron and X-ray scattering will be used to measure the atomic structure and dynamics, while the electronic properties will be probed via conductivity and magnetic resonance. Complementary computer simulation will be used to lead and interpret the experimental programme. The Fellow will be part of an Internationally leading Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Group, which occupies purpose #
|
|---|
