| Scope |
Interfaces play a key role in microstructure evolution of polycrystals and complex material systems. Many engineering properties are dominated by interfacial properties, e.g. mechanical properties that depend on the grain boundary structure. For electronic materials, grain boundaries and interfaces significantly affect charge carrier mobility. In most ceramic systems, interfaces include a charged core with an adjacent space charge, posing a significant challenge for applications in the field of ionic conductors, e.g. electrolytes in SOFC or solid-state electrolytes for Li batteries.
This symposium invites contributions addressing the thermodynamics, kinetics, and structure of interfaces, and the resulting microstructural evolution and material properties. These fundamental questions require contributions that address issues at various length scales, both experimental and theoretical. Of interest are the fundamentals of interface structure, chemistry, space charge, evolution and properties in structural and functional material systems.
The symposium will include a panel discussion with an emphasis on identifying current paradigms and new directions for research on interfaces in ceramic materials. This discussion will provide an opportunity for students and young researchers to gain an overview to the field and to pose questions and discuss issues beyond textbook knowledge. It will also serve to support the community as a whole in coordinating efforts and stimulating new co-operation.
Topics of this symposium include but are not limited to:
- Thermodynamic vs. kinetic stability of interfaces
- Thermodynamics and kinetics of microstructural evolution: wetting, sintering, grain growth, anisotropy - Theory, modeling, data analysis and informatics methodology for predicting interface structure and structure-property relations across length and time scales
- Advanced (in-situ) characterization techniques applied to interfaces
- Fundamentals of space charge: segregation, adsorption, electronic structures
- Impact of interfaces on applications: ionic conductors, catalysis, composites, and sensors. |