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Project acronym 3MC
Project 3D Model Catalysts to explore new routes to sustainable fuels
Researcher (PI) Petra Elisabeth De jongh
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE4, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary Currently fuels, plastics, and drugs are predominantly manufactured from oil. A transition towards renewable resources critically depends on new catalysts, for instance to convert small molecules (such as solar or biomass derived hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water and carbon dioxide) into more complex ones (such as oxygenates, containing oxygen atoms in their structure). Catalyst development now often depends on trial and error rather than rational design, as the heterogeneity of these composite systems hampers detailed understanding of the role of each of the components. I propose 3D model catalysts as a novel enabling tool to overcome this problem. Their well-defined nature allows unprecedented precision in the variation of structural parameters (morphology, spatial distribution) of the individual components, while at the same time they mimic real catalysts closely enough to allow testing under industrially relevant conditions. Using this approach I will address fundamental questions, such as: * What are the mechanisms (structural, electronic, chemical) by which non-metal promoters influence the functionality of copper-based catalysts? * Which nanoalloys can be formed, how does their composition influence the surface active sites and catalytic functionality under reaction conditions? * Which size and interface effects occur, and how can we use them to tune the actitivity and selectivity towards desired products? Our 3D model catalysts will be assembled from ordered mesoporous silica and carbon support materials and Cu-based promoted and bimetallic nanoparticles. The combination with high resolution characterization and testing under realistic conditions allows detailed insight into the role of the different components; critical for the rational design of novel catalysts for a future more sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.
Currently fuels, plastics, and drugs are predominantly manufactured from oil. A transition towards renewable resources critically depends on new catalysts, for instance to convert small molecules (such as solar or biomass derived hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water and carbon dioxide) into more complex ones (such as oxygenates, containing oxygen atoms in their structure). Catalyst development now often depends on trial and error rather than rational design, as the heterogeneity of these composite systems hampers detailed understanding of the role of each of the components. I propose 3D model catalysts as a novel enabling tool to overcome this problem. Their well-defined nature allows unprecedented precision in the variation of structural parameters (morphology, spatial distribution) of the individual components, while at the same time they mimic real catalysts closely enough to allow testing under industrially relevant conditions. Using this approach I will address fundamental questions, such as: * What are the mechanisms (structural, electronic, chemical) by which non-metal promoters influence the functionality of copper-based catalysts? * Which nanoalloys can be formed, how does their composition influence the surface active sites and catalytic functionality under reaction conditions? * Which size and interface effects occur, and how can we use them to tune the actitivity and selectivity towards desired products? Our 3D model catalysts will be assembled from ordered mesoporous silica and carbon support materials and Cu-based promoted and bimetallic nanoparticles. The combination with high resolution characterization and testing under realistic conditions allows detailed insight into the role of the different components; critical for the rational design of novel catalysts for a future more sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.
Project acronym ATUNE
Project Attenuation Tomography Using Novel observations of Earth's free oscillations
Researcher (PI) Arwen Fedora Deuss
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE10, ERC-2015-CoG
Summary Tectonic phenomena at the Earth's surface, like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes,are driven by convection deep in the mantle. Seismic tomography has been very successful in elucidating the Earth's internal velocity structure. However, seismic velocity is insufficient to obtain robust estimates of temperature and composition, and make direct links with mantle convection. Thus, fundamental questions remain unanswered: Do subducting slabs bring water into the lower mantle? Are the large low-shear velocity provinces under the Pacific and Africa mainly thermal or compositional? Is there any partial melt or water near the mantle transition zone or core mantle boundary? Seismic attenuation, or loss of energy, is key to mapping melt, water and temperature variations, and answering these questions. Unfortunately, attenuation has only been imaged using short- and intermediate-period seismic data, showing little similarity even for the upper mantle and no reliable lower mantle models exist. The aim of ATUNE is to develop novel full-spectrum techniques and apply them to Earth's long period free oscillations to observe global-scale regional variations in seismic attenuation from the lithosphere to the core mantle boundary. Scattering and focussing - problematic for shorter period techniques - are easily included using cross-coupling (or resonance) between free oscillations not requiring approximations. The recent occurrence of large earthquakes, increase in computer power and my world-leading expertise in free oscillations now make it possible to increase the frequency dependence of attenuation to a much wider frequency band, allowing us to distinguish between scattering (redistribution of energy) versus intrinsic attenuation. ATUNE will deliver the first ever full-waveform global tomographic model of 3D attenuation variations in the lower mantle, providing essential constraints on melt, water and temperature for understanding the complex dynamics of our planet.
Tectonic phenomena at the Earth's surface, like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes,are driven by convection deep in the mantle. Seismic tomography has been very successful in elucidating the Earth's internal velocity structure. However, seismic velocity is insufficient to obtain robust estimates of temperature and composition, and make direct links with mantle convection. Thus, fundamental questions remain unanswered: Do subducting slabs bring water into the lower mantle? Are the large low-shear velocity provinces under the Pacific and Africa mainly thermal or compositional? Is there any partial melt or water near the mantle transition zone or core mantle boundary? Seismic attenuation, or loss of energy, is key to mapping melt, water and temperature variations, and answering these questions. Unfortunately, attenuation has only been imaged using short- and intermediate-period seismic data, showing little similarity even for the upper mantle and no reliable lower mantle models exist. The aim of ATUNE is to develop novel full-spectrum techniques and apply them to Earth's long period free oscillations to observe global-scale regional variations in seismic attenuation from the lithosphere to the core mantle boundary. Scattering and focussing - problematic for shorter period techniques - are easily included using cross-coupling (or resonance) between free oscillations not requiring approximations. The recent occurrence of large earthquakes, increase in computer power and my world-leading expertise in free oscillations now make it possible to increase the frequency dependence of attenuation to a much wider frequency band, allowing us to distinguish between scattering (redistribution of energy) versus intrinsic attenuation. ATUNE will deliver the first ever full-waveform global tomographic model of 3D attenuation variations in the lower mantle, providing essential constraints on melt, water and temperature for understanding the complex dynamics of our planet.
Project acronym BUILDUP
Project Galaxy Buildup in the Young Universe: from the First Billion Years through the Peak Activity Epoch
Researcher (PI) Karina Caputi
Summary Deep galaxy surveys are the most valuable asset to understand the history of our Universe. They are key to test galaxy formation models which, based on the Cold Dark Matter framework, are successful at reproducing general aspects of galaxy evolution with cosmic time. However, important discrepancies still exist between models and observations, most notably at high redshifts. This Project will reconstruct the history of galaxy buildup from the first billion years of cosmic time through the peak activity epoch of the Universe, which occurred 10 billion years ago, providing a fundamental constraint for galaxy formation models. I am leading the largest ultra-deep galaxy survey that will ever be conducted with the Spitzer Space Telescope. In this Project, I will exploit my new Spitzer program to do a groundbreaking study of galaxy buildup in the young Universe, paving the way for further galaxy evolution studies with the forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). My main objectives are: 1) quantifying galaxy stellar mass assembly beyond the peak activity epoch, through the study of the galaxy stellar mass function up to z~7; 2) measuring, for the first time, galaxy clustering with stellar mass information up to such high redshifts; 3) linking galaxy growth to dust-obscured star formation using Spitzer and new APEX/AMKID sub-millimetre data; 4) unveiling the first steps of galaxy buildup at z>7 with JWST; 5) optimizing the official JWST Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) data reduction pipeline for the analysis of deep galaxy surveys. The delivery of an optimized MIRI pipeline is an important added value to the scientific outcome of this Project, which will benefit the general Astronomical community. This is the right time for this Project to make a maximum impact. We are now in a turning point for IR Astronomy, and this opportunity should not be missed. This Project will have a long-lasting legacy, bridging current and next generations of IR galaxy surveys.
Deep galaxy surveys are the most valuable asset to understand the history of our Universe. They are key to test galaxy formation models which, based on the Cold Dark Matter framework, are successful at reproducing general aspects of galaxy evolution with cosmic time. However, important discrepancies still exist between models and observations, most notably at high redshifts. This Project will reconstruct the history of galaxy buildup from the first billion years of cosmic time through the peak activity epoch of the Universe, which occurred 10 billion years ago, providing a fundamental constraint for galaxy formation models. I am leading the largest ultra-deep galaxy survey that will ever be conducted with the Spitzer Space Telescope. In this Project, I will exploit my new Spitzer program to do a groundbreaking study of galaxy buildup in the young Universe, paving the way for further galaxy evolution studies with the forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). My main objectives are: 1) quantifying galaxy stellar mass assembly beyond the peak activity epoch, through the study of the galaxy stellar mass function up to z~7; 2) measuring, for the first time, galaxy clustering with stellar mass information up to such high redshifts; 3) linking galaxy growth to dust-obscured star formation using Spitzer and new APEX/AMKID sub-millimetre data; 4) unveiling the first steps of galaxy buildup at z>7 with JWST; 5) optimizing the official JWST Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) data reduction pipeline for the analysis of deep galaxy surveys. The delivery of an optimized MIRI pipeline is an important added value to the scientific outcome of this Project, which will benefit the general Astronomical community. This is the right time for this Project to make a maximum impact. We are now in a turning point for IR Astronomy, and this opportunity should not be missed. This Project will have a long-lasting legacy, bridging current and next generations of IR galaxy surveys.
Project acronym CONT-END
Project Attempts to Control the End of Life in People with Dementia: Two-level Approach to Examine Controversies
Researcher (PI) Jenny VAN DER STEEN
Host Institution (HI) ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS LEIDEN
Summary In dementia at the end of life, cognitive and physical decline imply that control is typically lost. CONT-END will examine control in the context of three emerging interventions which contain a controversial element of striving for control in the process of dying with dementia: advance care planning of the end of life, use of new technology to monitor symptoms when unable to self-report, and euthanasia. To perform outstanding research, the proposed research examines control at the level of clinical practice, but also at the level of end-of-life research practice. The latter provides ample opportunities for researchers to control the research process. That is, research designs are often flexible and we will study if and how this impacts research in an emotionally charged area. I will take an empirical mixed-methods approach to study the two practices in parallel. The work is organised in three related Work Packages around three research questions. (1) In a 6-country study, I will examine if and when people with dementia, family caregivers and physicians (900 respondents) find the interventions, shown on video, acceptable. (2) A cluster-randomised 3-armed controlled trial in 279 patients and their family caregivers assesses effects of two types of advance care planning differing in level of control (detailed advance treatment orders versus goal setting and coping based) on outcomes ranging from favourable to less favourable, and whether effects differ in subgroups. Cases in which the technology is preferred or applied are observed. (3) Ethnographic fieldwork in two different end-of-life research practices and a Delphi study to synthesize CONT-END's findings assess how researchers shape findings. This greatly improves the quality of CONT-END and provides the input to develop new methodology for improving research quality and integrity.
In dementia at the end of life, cognitive and physical decline imply that control is typically lost. CONT-END will examine control in the context of three emerging interventions which contain a controversial element of striving for control in the process of dying with dementia: advance care planning of the end of life, use of new technology to monitor symptoms when unable to self-report, and euthanasia. To perform outstanding research, the proposed research examines control at the level of clinical practice, but also at the level of end-of-life research practice. The latter provides ample opportunities for researchers to control the research process. That is, research designs are often flexible and we will study if and how this impacts research in an emotionally charged area. I will take an empirical mixed-methods approach to study the two practices in parallel. The work is organised in three related Work Packages around three research questions. (1) In a 6-country study, I will examine if and when people with dementia, family caregivers and physicians (900 respondents) find the interventions, shown on video, acceptable. (2) A cluster-randomised 3-armed controlled trial in 279 patients and their family caregivers assesses effects of two types of advance care planning differing in level of control (detailed advance treatment orders versus goal setting and coping based) on outcomes ranging from favourable to less favourable, and whether effects differ in subgroups. Cases in which the technology is preferred or applied are observed. (3) Ethnographic fieldwork in two different end-of-life research practices and a Delphi study to synthesize CONT-END's findings assess how researchers shape findings. This greatly improves the quality of CONT-END and provides the input to develop new methodology for improving research quality and integrity.
Project acronym EQEC
Project Engineering Quantum Error Correction
Researcher (PI) Barbara Terhal
Summary This proposal will advance the theory of quantum error correction towards its application in real physical devices, in particular superconducting transmon qubit systems. The research will result in proposals for experiments: how to use physical qubits to redundantly represent logical quantum information and how error information can be obtained and classically processed. The research will consider novel ways of using transmon qubits to achieve a universal fault-tolerant surface code architecture. The research will produce a design of a universal fault-tolerant architecture in which qubits are encoded in the electromagnetic field of a (microwave) cavity. Research will also focus on mathematical and numerical studies in quantum error correction which are technology-independent, but shed light on coding overhead, decoding efficiency and logical universality.
This proposal will advance the theory of quantum error correction towards its application in real physical devices, in particular superconducting transmon qubit systems. The research will result in proposals for experiments: how to use physical qubits to redundantly represent logical quantum information and how error information can be obtained and classically processed. The research will consider novel ways of using transmon qubits to achieve a universal fault-tolerant surface code architecture. The research will produce a design of a universal fault-tolerant architecture in which qubits are encoded in the electromagnetic field of a (microwave) cavity. Research will also focus on mathematical and numerical studies in quantum error correction which are technology-independent, but shed light on coding overhead, decoding efficiency and logical universality.
Project acronym imbh
Project Do intermediate-mass black holes exist?
Researcher (PI) Peter Gustaaf Jonker
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN
Summary With this proposed project I will determine whether intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) exist. I propose to use ESA's new Gaia mission, the rich Hubble Space Telescope data archive, and state-of-the-art techniques to investigate systems predicted to exist but not yet found hitherto, such as recoiled hyper-compact stellar systems, red-supergiant mass donors to ultra-luminous X-ray sources, and white dwarf tidal disruption events. The latter can only be detected if black holes with masses less than 1E5 Msun are involved. Using these systems and events we can probe the sphere of influence of the IMBH and determine the black hole mass dynamically. Currently, there are strong indications for the existence of IMBHs, but dynamical evidence, the irrefutable proof of their existence, is still lacking. Whereas the unequivocal detection of an IMBH will be a breakthrough discovery in itself, it has also important consequences for searches of dark matter annihilation signals, it will provide a baseline for the rate predictions of gravitational wave radiation events involving IMBHs, and the properties of a population of IMBHs provides important constraints on the growth of supermassive black holes and galaxies. Finally, if we discover IMBHs in hyper-compact star clusters it validates numerical relativity simulations that predict that merging black holes receive a recoil kick. My membership of Gaia's Data Processing and Analysis Consortium gives me a distinct advantage in analysing and interpreting Gaia data that, through the superb angular resolution, immediate spectroscopic observations and all-sky coverage, provides unique capabilities ideally suited for answering the question whether IMBHs exist. My proposed project is the first to recognize the potential of Gaia (WP1&2) as well as the implications of having red supergiant mass donors in some ultra-luminous X-ray sources (WP3) for answering the question on the existence of IMBHs.
With this proposed project I will determine whether intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) exist. I propose to use ESA's new Gaia mission, the rich Hubble Space Telescope data archive, and state-of-the-art techniques to investigate systems predicted to exist but not yet found hitherto, such as recoiled hyper-compact stellar systems, red-supergiant mass donors to ultra-luminous X-ray sources, and white dwarf tidal disruption events. The latter can only be detected if black holes with masses less than 1E5 Msun are involved. Using these systems and events we can probe the sphere of influence of the IMBH and determine the black hole mass dynamically. Currently, there are strong indications for the existence of IMBHs, but dynamical evidence, the irrefutable proof of their existence, is still lacking. Whereas the unequivocal detection of an IMBH will be a breakthrough discovery in itself, it has also important consequences for searches of dark matter annihilation signals, it will provide a baseline for the rate predictions of gravitational wave radiation events involving IMBHs, and the properties of a population of IMBHs provides important constraints on the growth of supermassive black holes and galaxies. Finally, if we discover IMBHs in hyper-compact star clusters it validates numerical relativity simulations that predict that merging black holes receive a recoil kick. My membership of Gaia's Data Processing and Analysis Consortium gives me a distinct advantage in analysing and interpreting Gaia data that, through the superb angular resolution, immediate spectroscopic observations and all-sky coverage, provides unique capabilities ideally suited for answering the question whether IMBHs exist. My proposed project is the first to recognize the potential of Gaia (WP1&2) as well as the implications of having red supergiant mass donors in some ultra-luminous X-ray sources (WP3) for answering the question on the existence of IMBHs.
Project acronym INTRANSITION
Project Development of Identity and Relationships during Transitions in Adolescence
Researcher (PI) Susannne BRANJE
Summary A key developmental task in adolescence is the development of identity, which coincides with development of autonomy in close relationships. The INTRANSITION project aims to examine how development of identity and autonomy affect each other during adolescence. The project will advance the field by examining intra-individual (or within-person, as opposed to inter-individual or between-person) processes of change in identity and autonomy. This is crucial as inter-individual processes are not related or translatable to intra-individual processes. Often theories are examined by comparing adolescents to other adolescents, whereas the theoretical question focuses on understanding developmental changes within adolescents. To this end I will apply innovative intra-individual techniques to analyze development of identity and autonomy at different time scales: real-time moment-to-moment behavior, interactions across hours and days, and long-term development. In five interrelated work packages, I will examine development of adolescent identity and autonomy by putting the individual back in development. Work package 1 focuses on short-term intra-individual developmental processes of identity and autonomy. Work package 2 examines how developmental transitions affect intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 3 will focus on how person-environment interactions moderate intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 4 will examine emotional and behavioral variability in intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 5 addresses gene-environment interactions and epigenetic processes in intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Together, these work packages will offer a better understanding of the short-term and long-term intra-individual developmental processes of identity and autonomy during transitional periods, thereby allowing to better understand how these changes take place within individuals.
A key developmental task in adolescence is the development of identity, which coincides with development of autonomy in close relationships. The INTRANSITION project aims to examine how development of identity and autonomy affect each other during adolescence. The project will advance the field by examining intra-individual (or within-person, as opposed to inter-individual or between-person) processes of change in identity and autonomy. This is crucial as inter-individual processes are not related or translatable to intra-individual processes. Often theories are examined by comparing adolescents to other adolescents, whereas the theoretical question focuses on understanding developmental changes within adolescents. To this end I will apply innovative intra-individual techniques to analyze development of identity and autonomy at different time scales: real-time moment-to-moment behavior, interactions across hours and days, and long-term development. In five interrelated work packages, I will examine development of adolescent identity and autonomy by putting the individual back in development. Work package 1 focuses on short-term intra-individual developmental processes of identity and autonomy. Work package 2 examines how developmental transitions affect intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 3 will focus on how person-environment interactions moderate intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 4 will examine emotional and behavioral variability in intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Work package 5 addresses gene-environment interactions and epigenetic processes in intra-individual development of identity and autonomy. Together, these work packages will offer a better understanding of the short-term and long-term intra-individual developmental processes of identity and autonomy during transitional periods, thereby allowing to better understand how these changes take place within individuals.
Project acronym MYMOVE
Project Migrant youth mobility in Europe: patterns, processes and consequences
Researcher (PI) Helga DE VALK
Host Institution (HI) KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW
Summary Although many immigrant children are more likely to move within the country of settlement than native born youth, little is known on the potential effects of this so called internal mobility. When does childhood internal mobility have negative consequences on an individual's life? Are there differences in processes and consequences for those of immigrant and non-immigrant background? Do the number of moves or the reason for moving make a difference? Is the age at which moving takes place decisive and is distance relevant? Despite the fact that moving is a major stress-inducing life event, so far little is known on the potential consequences of childhood internal mobility for people of diverse immigrant origins. Given Europe's diverse population and immigration being the key factor in population change, it is crucial to understand if, how and for whom childhood internal mobility matters. The main objective of the MYMOVE project is to advance knowledge on the relationship between childhood internal mobility and adult life chances as defined by demographic family life choices, health and well-being for those with and without immigrant background. The project makes five innovative contributions to the so far scattered literature. It will 1) comprehensively map childhood internal mobility patterns; 2) study its mid- and long-term consequences for diverse immigrant groups and the native-born; 3) cover two key outcomes that are crucial in the individual life path (demographic family behaviour and health and well-being); 4) simultaneously study different dimensions of internal mobility (number, reason, timing, distance), and 5), distinguish three levels of influence that may moderate the effect of internal mobility (the neighbourhood of origin and destination, family background, and individual characteristics). The MYMOVE project will break new ground by using unique and new longitudinal (full-) population register and survey panel data from across Europe.
Although many immigrant children are more likely to move within the country of settlement than native born youth, little is known on the potential effects of this so called internal mobility. When does childhood internal mobility have negative consequences on an individual's life? Are there differences in processes and consequences for those of immigrant and non-immigrant background? Do the number of moves or the reason for moving make a difference? Is the age at which moving takes place decisive and is distance relevant? Despite the fact that moving is a major stress-inducing life event, so far little is known on the potential consequences of childhood internal mobility for people of diverse immigrant origins. Given Europe's diverse population and immigration being the key factor in population change, it is crucial to understand if, how and for whom childhood internal mobility matters. The main objective of the MYMOVE project is to advance knowledge on the relationship between childhood internal mobility and adult life chances as defined by demographic family life choices, health and well-being for those with and without immigrant background. The project makes five innovative contributions to the so far scattered literature. It will 1) comprehensively map childhood internal mobility patterns; 2) study its mid- and long-term consequences for diverse immigrant groups and the native-born; 3) cover two key outcomes that are crucial in the individual life path (demographic family behaviour and health and well-being); 4) simultaneously study different dimensions of internal mobility (number, reason, timing, distance), and 5), distinguish three levels of influence that may moderate the effect of internal mobility (the neighbourhood of origin and destination, family background, and individual characteristics). The MYMOVE project will break new ground by using unique and new longitudinal (full-) population register and survey panel data from across Europe.
Project acronym NANO-INSITU
Project Nanoscale Chemical Reactions Studied with In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Researcher (PI) Marijn Arnout Van Huis
Summary Great successes have been achieved in nanoscience where the development of functional properties and the assembly of nanostructures into nanomaterials have become increasingly important. In general, both the tuning of the chemical and physical properties and the self-assembly of nanocrystals into 2D or 3D superstructures take place in a liquid environment. When analysing the structural properties of nanocrystals using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), this liquid environment is contained between membranes to keep it in the high vacuum. At present, the thickness of the liquid is not controlled, which renders standard imaging at atomic resolution impossible. Here I propose to integrate micro-electromechanical actuator functionalities in the Liquid Cell chips to overcome this problem so that real-time atomic resolution imaging and chemical analysis on nanoparticles in solution becomes a reality. This new in-situ technology will elucidate what really happens during chemical reactions, and will thereby enable the development of new nanomaterials for optoelectronics, lighting, and catalysis. Oriented attachment processes and self-assembly of nanoparticles, which are key to the large-scale production of 2D and 3D nanomaterials, can also be followed in the Liquid Cell. Furthermore, the hydration of nanoscale model systems of earth materials such as magnesia, alumina, and calcium oxide is of major importance in the geosciences. In the field of enhanced oil recovery, for example, the huge volumetric expansion that comes with the hydration of these minerals could facilitate access to reservoirs. My research group has extensive experience in in-situ TEM and recently has achieved significant successes in Liquid Cell studies. We are in an ideal position to develop this new technology and open up these new research areas, which will have a major impact on science, industry, and society.
Great successes have been achieved in nanoscience where the development of functional properties and the assembly of nanostructures into nanomaterials have become increasingly important. In general, both the tuning of the chemical and physical properties and the self-assembly of nanocrystals into 2D or 3D superstructures take place in a liquid environment. When analysing the structural properties of nanocrystals using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), this liquid environment is contained between membranes to keep it in the high vacuum. At present, the thickness of the liquid is not controlled, which renders standard imaging at atomic resolution impossible. Here I propose to integrate micro-electromechanical actuator functionalities in the Liquid Cell chips to overcome this problem so that real-time atomic resolution imaging and chemical analysis on nanoparticles in solution becomes a reality. This new in-situ technology will elucidate what really happens during chemical reactions, and will thereby enable the development of new nanomaterials for optoelectronics, lighting, and catalysis. Oriented attachment processes and self-assembly of nanoparticles, which are key to the large-scale production of 2D and 3D nanomaterials, can also be followed in the Liquid Cell. Furthermore, the hydration of nanoscale model systems of earth materials such as magnesia, alumina, and calcium oxide is of major importance in the geosciences. In the field of enhanced oil recovery, for example, the huge volumetric expansion that comes with the hydration of these minerals could facilitate access to reservoirs. My research group has extensive experience in in-situ TEM and recently has achieved significant successes in Liquid Cell studies. We are in an ideal position to develop this new technology and open up these new research areas, which will have a major impact on science, industry, and society.