Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
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Research Topics |
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Crystal Engineering of Novel Polyoxomolybdates
Polyoxometalates (POMs) continue to attract research interest due to their outstanding structural diversity that gives rise to their vast application potential (e.g. antiviral, catalytical, photochromic, or magnetic properties). We focus on the development of novel fluorinated POMs and their combination with organic molecules. Our efforts are focused on their directed synthesis through crystal engineering concepts. This leads to their combination with functionalized organic polymers into organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
Nanostructured composite materials based on transition metal oxides
Anisotropic transition metal oxides, such as molybdenum-, vanadium- and tungsten oxide-based fibrous materials, are excellent substrates for the fabrication of functionalized composite materials. In order to control their morphology and to develop efficient synthetic processes for their technical production, we investigate their hydrothermal formation mechanisms within an international network of collaborations. This includes the use of modern in situ spectroscopic techniques. The combination of transition metal oxide building blocks into ternary and higher hierarchical architectures is a challenging – yet rewarding – task of modern inorganic synthesis.
Chitin-based natural materials and biomacromolecules for composite formation
Natural structural biomaterials provide an abundant source of novel bone and cartilage replacements that inspires the search for nanoscale biomimetic composites. Our research efforts are directed towards the combination of high-performance natural fibers (e.g. Byssal threads or chitin-based sponge fibers) with the above-mentioned anisotropic transition metal oxides. The outstanding mechanical flexibility and biocompatibility of the fibrous spongines provides hitherto unknown options to extend the wide application spectrum of oxide materials. In addition, we work on their coating with biologically active macromolecules (e.g. chitosan).
Targeted synthesis through microwave-hydrothermal syntheses
Hydrothermal methods are an exceptionally powerful and flexible tool in modern materials chemistry. However, their full synthetic potential still remains to be explored so that they can be applied in a truly predictive manner. This includes the development of novel, cutting-edge combination techniques. We find that microwave-hydrothermal techniques considerably enhance the preparative pathways to oxidic nanomaterials by opening up new approaches to tune their morphology and crystal structure.
Development of hydrothermal-sonochemical techniques for nanomaterials fabrication
The ultrasonic activation of hydrothermal processes is still in its infancy, and only recently the first breakthroughs have been reported in the areas of water treatment and nanoparticles synthesis. We aim for new trends in hydrothermal sonochemistry, and our investigations indicate that this method is well suited to implement biomacromolecules as templates in the synthetic process. Further explorations include the use of ionic liquids to enhance self-organization phenomena.