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Lead Research Organisation: University of Portsmouth
Department Name: Sch of the Env, Geography & Geosciences

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Planned Impact

The project will have potential impacts on a variety of sectors. Our atom probe tomography development work could be utilised by mining companies to help visualise the distribution of precious metals (e.g., gold) and strategically important elements within their host minerals. Our capability enhancing work on organic matter in carbonaceous chondrites has potential impacts for the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, and our development of APT to analyse hydrogen and halogens may provide new insights into engineering problems such as hydrogen embrittlement of steel and the performance of semiconductor devices. These potential impacts can start to be realised via networking and dissemination at conferences, and through publications. Project partners Oxford Instruments and CAMECA are closely involved in the project, and opportunities for impact and follow-on innovation activities will be explored with both partners.
 
Description New approaches for nanoscale analysis of planetary materials. This opens up new possibilities to maximise the scientific gain from samples returned from other planetary bodies.
Exploitation Route New analytical approaches and capabilities for the analysis of Earth and planetary materials.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Environment

 
Description The findings have derectly benefitted an STFC CASE Studentship with project partner X-Ray Minerals Ltd. This resulting project will enhance analytical capabilities for lithium and other battery technology metals.
First Year Of Impact 2024
Sector Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology
Impact Types Economic

 
Description Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the battery technology metal lifecycle
Amount £117,502 (GBP)
Funding ID ST/X005283/1 
Organisation Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2023 
End 09/2027
 
Title Isotopic analysis by atom probe tomography 
Description Definition and application of new research tools for isotopic analysis at the nanoscale using atom probe tomography. Specifically, we have defined a new approach for chlorine isotope analysis from nanoscale volumes of chlorapatite. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact New research tool that is being applied to other studies 
 
Description CAMECA APT Partnership 
Organisation Ametek
Department CAMECA
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Conceptual advances in the application of atom probe tomography (APT) for Earth and planetary science applications. Advancements in isotopic analysis and error propagation in APT.
Collaborator Contribution Access to propriety atom probe tomography (APT) software, and laboratory access at their Wisconsin APT facility.
Impact This is a new collaboration, but has already led to research advances that are being reported in conference abstracts and manuscripts.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Glasgow planetary group 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department School of Geographical and Earth Sciences Glasgow
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration on project design, sample selection, FIB-SEM targeting and APT data analysis.
Collaborator Contribution Support with FIB-SEM and APT measurements, and collaboration on all aspects of project design and implementation.
Impact Daly et al., paper on atom probe tomography of phyllosilicates Darling et al., paper on atom probe tomography of calcium phosphates
Start Year 2019
 
Description Royal Ontario Museum 
Organisation Royal Ontario Museum
Country Canada 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Expertise in planetary material characterization, radiometric dating and analysis of shock deformation.
Collaborator Contribution The loan of rare martian meteorite and mineral specimens for analysis. Funding of pilot analyses at the University of Toronto, which have led to a publication.
Impact Paper published in Geochronology: http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2019-17
Start Year 2019