Neutron and X-ray scattering investigations for design of novel magnetic borides

Climate change and clean energy shortage motivate the ongoing car electrification. The latter requires development of low-cost magnets based on sustainable materials.

I propose to identify and explore novel magnetic laminates based on new elemental combinations in a new atomic structure, in collaboration with Professor Boothroyd from Oxford University, who is a leading expert materials analysis by means of X-ray and neutron scattering.Inspired by initial experimental results, I will synthesize and characterize new magnetic borides of the general formula M14/3M22/3AB2 (M=metal, A=A-group element).

Initial powder synthesis and structural/compositional characterization will be performed at Linköping University, where I will spend up to 12 months in total, while single crystal growth, magnetic property evaluation, and in-depth study of magnetism by neutron scattering and synchrotron X-ray scattering will be achieved in Oxford and at research facilities such as ILL in France.My short term goal is to realize novel magnetic materials and fundamentally understand their properties by means of scattering methods.

The attained knowledge will be used to facilitate my long-term goal of designing materials with superior magnetic properties, for, e.g., the electric car industry.

After my  post doc, I intend to establish my own research group in Sweden, within the area of advanced materials analysis based on scattering techniques. This is timely with the establishment of MAX IV and ESS.