hesis subject: Advanced Electron Microscopy of Functional Materials (TEM & In-Operando Studies)

Complex functional materials—such as oxides, catalysts and energy-conversion systems—display unique physical and chemical properties including superconductivity, magnetism, ferroelectricity, catalytic reactivity and electrochemical behaviour. Representative oxide systems include transition-metal oxides (e.g. perovskite and spinel oxides), functional oxides for energy applications (such as materials for batteries and solid-oxide fuel cells), and oxide-based catalysts and electrocatalysts. These materials are relevant for applications in energy storage and conversion, hydrogen technologies, nanoelectronics, sensing, and sustainable catalysis. Understanding how their atomic-scale structure evolves under real operating conditions (temperature, electric fields, reactive environments, liquids, etc.) is key for the design of next-generation devices for energy, nanoelectronics, sustainable technologies and quantum applications.

This PhD project aims at investigating the structure–function relationships of advanced materials by means of state-of-the-art Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) combined with spectroscopy, in-situ/operando environments and correlative approaches with synchrotron-based techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the role of defects, interfaces, strain mechanisms and environmental stimuli on physical and chemical functionalities.

The work will involve:

• atomic-scale imaging and spectroscopy of complex oxides and nanostructured materials
• application of in-situ and operando TEM methodologies under different stimuli, such as electrical/thermal biasing and liquid/gas environments
• correlative analysis combining TEM, synchrotron techniques and multimodal characterization
• collaboration with synthesis, nanofabrication spectroscopy groups within the Area Science Park Campus