Projects
NanOthermomteRs for Theranostics Ghent University
The goal of this project is to develop novel types of multifunctional nanoparticles combining temperature diagnostics and therapy. More specifically we aim at combining thermometry in the physiological range with either drug delivery or photodynamic therapy (PDT) all in a single hybrid nanoparticle constructed from Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica (PMO) with lanthanide inorganic nanoparticles grown inside the pores and/or voids of (hollow) ...
moleculAR maTerials for on-chip intEgrated quantuM lIght sourceS KU Leuven
ARTEMIS proposes fundamental research toward the development of integrable single and entangled photon sources based on metallorganic molecular compounds. The project is motivated by the urgent need for novel quantum sources with unprecedented versatility, flexibility and performance. This goal will be pursued by resorting to molecular materials, based on transition metal and/or lanthanide ions with organic moieties, characterized by tunable ...
Multi-component nanoparticles as bimodal contrast agents for MRI and optical detection of tumors and for targeted photodynamic therapy KU Leuven
The main aim of this proposal is to synthesize a range of lanthanide containing nanoparticles with an upconverting core, that can be excited in the infrared region to yield emission in the visible range, as for MRI and optical imaging. The nanoparticles will be covered with a rare earth doped MRI active shell and decorated with targeting moieties, which offers a means of targeting cancer cells that greatly over express the receptors. Further ...
Radical Solutions for Hysteresis in Single-Molecule Magnets (RADMAG). KU Leuven
Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) display magnetic hysteresis that is molecular in origin, and these materials have huge potential to be developed as nano-scale devices. The big challenge is to create SMMs that function without the need for liquid-helium cooling. This project will develop new SMMs that combine the strong magnetice anisotropy of lanthanide ions with a series of novel radival ligands.
European Training Network for Zero-waste Valorisation of Bauxite Residue KU Leuven
To tackle its (critical) raw material dependency, Europe needs comprehensive strategies based on sustainable primary mining, substitution and recycling. Freshly produced flows and stocks of landfilled industrial residues such as mine tailings, non-ferrous slag and bauxite residue (BR) can provide major amounts of critical metals and, concurrently, minerals for low-carbon building materials. The European Training Network for Zero-Waste ...
European Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Network. KU Leuven
Because China dominates the rare-earth market and is reducing its export quota, there is a very high supply risk for rare earths in Europe. To tackle this rare-earth crisis, Europe needs to invest in primary mining, substitution and, in particular, urban mining/recycling. To date, less than 1% of the rare earths are being recycled, due to, amongst others, a lack of efficient recycling technologies. The creation of a rare-earth recycling ...
Development of a sustainable exploitation scheme for Europes Rare Earth ore deposits (EURARE). KU Leuven
With numerous European industries heavily depended on imported REE raw materials, there is a need for EU to secure a viable supply of REE minerals as well as develop from the ground up the currently non-existent European REE extraction and processing industry. The goal of the EURARE project will be:
- to characterize the potential REE resources in Europe
- to research, develop, optimize and demonstrate technologies for the ...