Topics

1. Theory and modelling

1.1 Emerging phenomena in electroceramics: Electronic structure; Point-defect-driven phenomena; Domains, domain walls and topological states; Grain boundary-related phenomena; Ab-initio calculations in ferroelectrics, thermoelectrics, piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics and multiferroics; Coupled nonlinear effects in electroceramics; Heterojunctions and band alignment at the ferroelectric/metal interfaces in films.

1.2 Modelling of synthesis and processing: Modelling of synthesis and sintering processes; Modelling of thin film growth mechanisms; Microstructural design in electroceramics.

1.3 Modelling of electroceramic devices: Design of sensors, optimised energy conversion, harvesting and storage structures and devices based on electroceramic materials; Simulation of device responses under various types of inputs.

1.4 Advanced modelling methods: Machine learning assisted phase and size-controlled synthesis of multifunctional oxides; Machine learning-enabled design of ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, magnetic, dielectric ceramics with optimised properties.

2. Novel synthesis and processing methods

2.1 Powder synthesis and ceramic processing methods: Nanoparticles, core-shell structures, 2D sheets, hierarchical and porous structures, dense electroceramics and superlattices; Novel routes & combined methods; Green chemistry.

2.2 Advanced film deposition techniques: Thick & thin films, epitaxial structures, heterostructures, multilayers; Novel deposition methods.

2.3 Novel processing methods for electroceramics and composites: Cold sintering, field- & MW - assisted sintering; Additive manufacturing of electroceramics with optimised structures (multi-scale porosity, composites).

3. Advanced characterisation

3.1 Structural and local characterisation of electroceramics (particles, ceramics and films): High resolution microscopies; XRD/AFM/Raman; High energy and in-situ structural characterisation; Inelastic X-ray and neutron scattering; X-ray tomography, nanoscale characterisation, domain manipulation, etc.

3.2 Advanced functional characterisation methods: Light-induced phenomena, Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy; Broadband dielectric spectroscopy; Piezo- and magnetic force microscopies; Progress in characterisation and instrumentation methods; In situ / in operando techniques.

4. Structure-properties relationship

4.1 Basic structural phenomena: Phase transitions; Phase superposition; Morphotropic phase boundary; Size & scale dependent phenomena; Porous ferro/piezoelectric ceramic structures; High entropy ceramics; MXenes.

4.2 Advanced functional phenomena: High k dielectrics; Relaxors; Antiferroelectrics; Ferroelasticity and flexoelectricity; Magnetism; Functionally graded ceramics; Electrocaloric and barocaloric phenomena.

4.3 Multifunctional ceramic systems: Magneto-optics, electro-optics, multiferroics, opto-magneto-electrics.

4.4 Composite ceramic systems: Ceramic-ceramic type composites (dielectric-semiconductor, dielectric-ferroelectric, etc.); Dielectrics and ferroelectric oxides embedded into polymer matrices; ceramic-metal composites.

5. Applications of electroceramic materials and structures

5.1 Ceramic conductors and superconductors (proton, ionic & electron conductors): Ohmic resistors, varistors, thermistors, PTCR; Heating elements; High-temperature superconductors.

5.2 Semiconductor devices: Transistors; Integrated circuits; Photodetectors; Photocatalysts etc.

5.3 Electroceramics for energy applications (storage, generation, conversion and harvesting): MLCCs; Batteries; Fuel cells; Photovoltaics; Energy harvesting devices; Thermoelectrics, Electrocatalysts.

5.4 Ceramic sensors and actuators: Pressure sensors, Optical sensors, Electrochemical sensors, Electroceramics for biomedical applications (biosensors), functional devices and MEMS.

5.5 Electroceramics for high frequency applications: Dielectric ceramics and their microwave applications, Microwave devices.

5.6 Ceramics for memory devices: Magnetic memories, Ferroelectric memories, Memristors.

5.7 Electroceramics for piezo- and pyro-photocatalitic applications (films, porous structures, nanoparticles).

5.8 Electroceramics in other science fields and miscellaneous

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