Multifunctional Materials
Research Profile
The focus of our research is directed towards the development of wet-chemistry routes to functional inorganic and organic-in-organic materials covering all length scales from the nm to the cm range. Based on a modular approach, we first synthesize different types of particles with control over crystallinity, size, shape and surface properties. In a second step, these building blocks are assembled or processed into films, aerogels, foams or composites. Applications of such materials include catalysis, photocatalysis, gas sensing, photoelectrochemical water split-ting and lithium ion batteries.
The main topics of our research include:
- Development of generalized synthesis strategies to inorganic functional materials
- Investigation of formation and crystallization mechanisms
- Surface functionalization of particles
- Assembly and processing of particles into 1, 2 and 3D materials
- Applications in energy storage and conversion, electronics, luminescent materials and photocatalysis
Competences / Infrastructure
- Liquid-phase synthesis of inorganic materials
- Solvothermal processing and microwave chemistry
- Surface-functionalization, assembly and processing of particles
- Characterization of inorganic materials
- Thin films, aerogels, foams and organic-inorganic nanocomposites
- Photoelectrochemical water splitting, lithium ion batteries and photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Keywords
nanoparticles | metal oxides | sol-gel synthesis aerogels | metal foams | nanocomposites