Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/F013884/1
Title:	Interdisciplinary Studies to Characterise and Optimise Novel Apatite-Type Fast-Ion Conductors
Principal Investigator:	Smith, Professor ME
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Physics
Organisation:	University of Warwick
Scheme:	Standard Research
Starts:	10 March 2008	Ends:	09 March 2010	Value (£):	27,706
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Fuel Cell Technologies Materials Characterisation Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Energy
Related Grants:	EP/F015178/2 EP/F013248/1
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 26 Jul 2007 Materials Prioritisation Panel July 07 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed research will build upon previous success with a combined programme of experimental and computational studies of novel apatite-type ionic conductors, which are attracting considerable worldwide attention. Contrary to the traditional fluorite and perovskite-type oxide ion conductors, which conduct via a vacancy mechanism, the current evidence indicates that these apatite systems conduct via oxide interstitials, as first reported in our initial modelling study of the Si-based systems. This interdisciplinary project will extend our internationally leading research through new adventurous studies of novel Ge-containing apatite materials, which offer higher ionic conductivities, but have been less widely investigated. Evaluation of their true potential therefore requires immediate study. This powerful combination of materials synthesis and characterisation (at Surrey), NMR (Warwick) and computer modelling (Bath) will provide deeper insight into these exciting materials for potential technological applications (such as solid oxide fuel cells). Our considerable experience and past success in ion transport studies places us in a strong position to address key issues. In many instances, our project will be the first investigation of this type.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.warwick.ac.uk