Nanocluster-polymer composites for light emitters, gas sensors and electrodes

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The aim of this project is to create a new class of functional nanostructured materials by the deposition from the beam of size-selected metal clusters into electrically-conducting polymer films. In the size regime <20 atoms, metal clusters show evidence of fluorescence, so one application is electroluminescent displays. Size-selected clusters are expected to show an off-even oscillation in their interaction with gas molecules, potentially leading to a new class of gas sensors. Incorporation of catalytic clusters into polymers or nanoporous conducting materials such as nanostructured graphite (carbon paper) create the possibility of new high performance gas-permeable electrodes for fuel cells, electrolysers and electrocatalysts (CO2 reduction, NH3 synthesis). The deposited clusters will be characterised structurally by HAADF-STEM imaging coupled to isomer simulations - both manual and automated matching will explored. The ultimate aim if proof-of-principle of at least one new kind of system by correlation of the measured functional properties with the synthesis and characterisation steps.