This project is a feasibility study aimed at establishing the viability of a new class of material for hydrogen storage namely pillared nanographites. One of the more challenging problems in energy research is to find a compact, safe and lightweight alternative to petroleum that has similar energy densities. There are a large number of different potential solutions to this problem, but the use of hydrogen has interesting possibilities in that it promises a clean, efficient and quiet form of energy storage. We believe that we have identified a new class of materials, pillared nanographites, that will be able to satisfy this need and are also cheap and environmentally friendly (recyclable). The hydrogen absorption properties of these materials are highly tuneable via control of the interlayer spacing, the concentration and type of intercalant, the surface charge, and nano-scale texture. Furthermore, our compounds are cheap, recyclable and environmentally friendly (they do not contain toxic heavy metals). We would therefore like to request funds for an exploratory study that will establish the feasibility or otherwise of these materials. Although it is quite speculative in nature, this project has strong support from Toyota Motors.

Navigation solutions can be made independent of satellite communication if, for example, real-time measurements of the earth's gravitational profile can be matched to known values on a map. For this, an absolute gravimeter is needed that can be transported and operated in real-world environments. TOP-GUNS aims to accelerate quantum navigation sensors into real-world positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications. TOP-GUNS is motivated by pressing issues that presently impede the operation of quantum navigation sensors exposed to real-world environments and will enhance the robustness and size, weight, power consumption and production cost (SWaP-C) of quantum navigation sensors used in precision positioning and navigation service; especially while the satnav service is unavailable or interrupted. TOP-GUNS will demonstrate and deliver solutions to these issues through a series of technology innovations and initial trials, including simulation platforms. The TOP-GUNS project will exploit major successes of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing and focus on current critical research challenges. In overcoming these, the results of this project will allow the deployment of quantum navigation sensors on moving platforms, ranging from land and aviation vehicles to vessels, ships and subterranean applications. We propose the development of a gravimeter that employs a hollow-core-guide beam and therefore is more robust against transport vehicle lateral movement, which can result in a loss of contrast. To improve the portability of the gravimeter we employ innovative methods to create high-fidelity magnetic field shielding and coils - this is based on advanced optimisation methods to deliver state-of-the-art magnetic field shaping and switching systems that integrate complex coil geometries with conductor networks formed in multilayer PCBs. The creation of a 3D-printed UHV chamber that is topologically optimised to minimise eddy currents induced by magnetic field control sequences enables a substantial reduction in size and weight. These methods will enable an ultra-compact system that is robust against environmental noise and in addition lends itself to mass manufacturing. TOP-GUNS will bring innovative research to the UK quantum navigation community and provide the edge required for the UK to maintain its leading role in quantum and alternative PNT. Furthermore, TOP-GUNS' multifaceted industrial partnerships, including end users and supply chain developers, will greatly benefit the dissemination of research results and the establishment of the quantum and alternative navigation industrial ecosystem, extending from components to systems. Our results are therefore essential for the development and exploitation of gravitational profile maps.

This collaboration will open an adventurous new application for quantum sensing with wide reaching applications in the environmental sciences. We are aiming for improving the reference frame used by researchers in climate science to allow higher precision climate data to be collected, better models to be made and improved evidence for political decisions to be generated. As stated by the UN: "The Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF) is the foundation for evidence-based policies and decisions, it underpins the collection and management of nationally integrated geospatial information and is used to monitor our dynamic Earth. Thus, the GGRF has direct societal relevance." This is the pivotal element we are targeting in this project. In more detail, we are using the latest developments in quantum sensors and perform research into making them sufficiently robust to achieve world-record precision inside the UK Space Geodesy Facility in Herstmonceux. In parallel we will research into the tools to use the continuous stream of precise gravity data from the quantum sensor to better understand the tide models and other effects influencing the measurements defining our geodetic reference frames.

This project is a feasibility study aimed at establishing the viability of a new class of material for hydrogen storage namely pillared nanographites. One of the more challenging problems in energy research is to find a compact, safe and lightweight alternative to petroleum that has similar energy densities. There are a large number of different potential solutions to this problem, but the use of hydrogen has interesting possibilities in that it promises a clean, efficient and quiet form of energy storage. We believe that we have identified a new class of materials, pillared nanographites, that will be able to satisfy this need and are also cheap and environmentally friendly (recyclable). The hydrogen absorption properties of these materials are highly tuneable via control of the interlayer spacing, the concentration and type of intercalant, the surface charge, and nano-scale texture. Furthermore, our compounds are cheap, recyclable and environmentally friendly (they do not contain toxic heavy metals). We would therefore like to request funds for an exploratory study that will establish the feasibility or otherwise of these materials. Although it is quite speculative in nature, this project has strong support from Toyota Motors.

During this Fellowship, I intend to develop a multi-scale approach that, revealing the structure-relaxation dynamics correlation over a wide time- and length-scale, will direct the design of smart membranes with customised functionalities (while providing a fundamental understanding of commercially available materials). My methodology addressing the microstructure/processing/performance triangle aims to facilitate the transition from theoretical properties to practical applications in materials designed for energy conversion applications and separation science (while it can be extended to biomedical applications). I intend to develop my research at UCL Chemistry, which provides the ideal scientific framework enabling close collaborations with Physical Sciences and Engineering Departments.