Influence of mechanical stress on defect formation and properties of metal oxides

• Grant number: 25/02992-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Filho Marques de Oliveira
• Grantee: Paulo Filho Marques de Oliveira
• Principal researcher abroad: Adam Michalchuk
• Institution abroad: University of Birmingham , England
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated research grant: 20/14955-6 - Designing the next generation of advanced multicomponent materials through mechanochemical synthesis, AP.JP

Abstract

Mechanochemistry has emerged as a transformative approach in materials chemistry, offering an eco-friendly alternative for synthesizing functional materials. A distinguishing feature of mechanochemical methods is their ability to induce structural disorder, leading to defective materials with enhanced electronic and optical properties. This project aims to investigate the relationship between mechanical stress and defect formation in metal oxides, with a particular focus on oxygen vacancies and structural distortions. By employing different types of mechanical stress-impact (ball milling), compression (high-pressure compression), and shear (twin-screw extrusion)-we will systematically study how defect formation correlates with material properties. The study will be conducted through a collaboration between research groups at the Institute of Chemistry (University of Sao Paulo) and the University of Birmingham, leveraging complementary expertise in mechanochemical synthesis, structural characterization, and theoretical modeling. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray scattering, electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and neutron scattering, will be used to analyze the materials from atomic to macroscopic scales. The fundamental insights gained from this research will enable the rational design of next-generation materials with tailored properties for energy storage, catalysis, and optoelectronic applications. In addition to experimental investigations, knowledge exchange between research teams will be facilitated through extended research visits, joint training programs, and collaborative workshops, ensuring long-term scientific impact and strengthening international collaborations in mechanochemistry. (AU)