Research fields

 

Our Interests

Our research is devoted to the controlled synthesis, the characterization and to application scenarios of nanostructured materials with electro- and biofunctional properties.

Metal Nanoparticles

We synthesize metal nanoparticles in the size range of 1-100 nanometer and with distinct shapes and we assemble them in 1 to 3 dimensions. Therefore, we apply molecules having distinct functionalities, such as directed electronic transport properties, for so called molecular diodes, thermo-responsiveness in nanoparticle-microgel hybrids, or molecular recognition properties like in DNA. Furthermore, we study the interaction of such structures with biological systems in vitro and in vivo and we explore their application potential in theranostics.

Metal oxide and -chalcogenide Nanostructures

Furthermore, we synthesize metal oxide and chalcogenide nanostructures, which are studied with respect to their utilization as catalysts, with an focus on catalysts for exhaust gas aftertreatment. They are used as cathode materials for electrochemical cells in Li-air and Li-ion batteries, or as resistively switching valence change or phase change materials as nanoswitches.

Nanoporous Materials

We synthesize and characterize nanoporous materials, in particular zeolites and related structures. They are explored for gas sensing and catalytic applications for exhaust gas aftertreatment systems of lean burn engines in the DeNOx-SCR reaction. Analysis of the mobility of charged reactive species by means of dynamic electrical measurements under in situ conditions enables the correlation of the gas sensing and catalytic properties.

Characterization Methods

Our characterization methods include standard analysis methods, such as NMR, UV-Vis, IR, dynamic light scattering. For specific purposes, we have optimized methods, such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering, Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, as well as a collection of electrical and electrochemical d.c. and a.c. measurements, complemented by locally resolved electrical transport measurements.

 

You are a student and interested?

Topics for research interships and theses can be found in the section academics or contact our staff. Our advertisements for PostDocs can be found in the job offers of the RWTH job database.