Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/E059678/1
Title:	Characterisation of Nano-Particulates in Natural Systems
Principal Investigator:	Brown, Dr AP
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Council of Scientific and Industrial Res Medical Research Council (MRC) University of Liverpool US Department of Health & Human Services
Department:	Institute of Materials Research
Organisation:	University of Leeds
Scheme:	Advanced Fellowship
Starts:	01 October 2007	Ends:	31 March 2013	Value (£):	608,832
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Analytical Science Materials Characterisation Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 17 Apr 2007 Engineering Fellowships Interview Panel FinalDecisionYetToBeMade 15 Mar 2007 Engineering Fellowships Sift Panel InvitedForInterview
Summary on Grant Application Form
Characterisation of the primary nano-particulate crystallites that make up natural and synthetic structures is of increasing importance in industrial, biological and environmental application. This Advanced Fellowship aims to build on existing studies by the applicant, his collaborators, and his PhD students, and will focus on the determination of the surface characteristics that appear to differentiate nano-particle minerals in natural systems (environmental and biological) from those in synthetic systems. In particular the underlying hypothesis is that dynamic exchangeable (or thermodynamically unstable) surfaces are a consistent feature of primary particles in natural systems that then shape the physical characteristics at the macroscopic level, in particular explaining aspects of exchangeability, turnover, mechanical strength and interaction with organic molecules. The application draws on the latest analytical electron microscopy techniques available in the physical sciences and, with novel application, applies them to the environments of natural systems which are very sensitive to electron beam irradiation. This leading edge structural analysis will provide fundamental data that will then be used to probe the function of the particle in the system. Therefore the application truly serves to advance potential understanding and cross-disciplinary interaction.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.leeds.ac.uk