PhD Candidate
MIRSINI KAITATZH
myrsinik@materials.uoc.gr
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Title
Chemical Physics of Two-dimensional Magnetic and Superconducting Energy Materials
Supervisor
LAPPAS ALEXANDROS, Researcher A, FORTH, Heraklion Crete GREECE
Committee Members
KOPIDAKIS GEORGIOS, Associate Professor, Materials Science & Technology Dept. - UOC
STOUMPOS KONSTANTINOS, Associate Professor, Materials Science & Technology Dept. - UOC
Abstract
The advent of the new technologies reflects upon the need for advances in their energy efficiency. High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS’s) could be an ideal candidate as they can conserve and store energy and help reduce the «carbon footprint», which burdens the environment. Nevertheless, the key challenge with respect to the underlying materials exhibiting superconductivity is twofold: their operation at elevated temperatures and their non-toxicity. Subsequently, there is an intense scientific discourse on the comprehension of the intrinsic mechanisms of the superconductors, for providing novel materials, in order to refine their performance. The scientific field of this doctoral research aims to the investigation of the physics involving novel two-dimensional materials, such as chalcogenides of transition metals for low-energy consumption applications. The project will focus on the development of innovative hybrid materials, consisting of nanometer-scale alternating layers of molecular and inorganic building blocks. Training in contemporary experimental methods (e.g. synchrotron X-ray scattering) will enable to meticulously investigate the atomic structure and dynamics of these materials, and allow the elucidation of their physico-chemical behavior. The competition between electronic and magnetic properties, influencing the way quantum materials afford superconducting behaviour, will be uncovered with the purpose to improve their prospective exploitable technology (e.g. superconducting cables, high-performance motors, MRI, RF electronics, etc.)