Connecting Frontier Research with Industrial Development - Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry in the European f-Element Network (EUFEN)

Authors: U. Baisch

Corresponding: U. Baisch (ulrich.baisch@um.edu.mt)

Keywords: none

Doi: http://dx.medra.org/10.7423/XJENZA.2015.1.02

Issue: Xjenza Online Vol. 3 Iss. 1 - August 2015

Abstract:
The chemistry of f-elements, even though often not known to the general public, forms part of many industrial processes, manufacturing and medical applications, such as medical imaging (e.g. MRI scans), strong magnets, data storage media, superconducters, LEDs, catalysis, as well as energy, and metal extraction. It plays a crucial role in the scientic and industrial landscape of the European Union (EU) in elds of energy, security, training, sustainability, and society. The use of these elements widens the scope of synthetic possibilities in chemistry, and materials with outstanding electromagnetic properties have already been realised. The synthesis of lanthanide containing supramolecular materials with exceptional materials properties has already been reported, e.g. the ability to bind and release gases, high-temperature superconductivity, and all-white light emitting diodes. The EUFEN (European f-Element Network) COST action provides cooperative mobility mechanisms for nationally funded f-element chemists pursuing fundamental frontier research to initiate collaborations, training, networking, and dissemination among each other. Novel developments and results in terms of f-element crystal engineering carried out at the University of Malta are therefore part of EUFEN.

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