Group Leader Profiles

The main research direction concerns the synthesis and characterization of inorganic as well as organic / inorganic multifunctional materials. For the generation of the materials the principles of biomineralization are applied. Within the scope of this research field biomineralizing living systems, like algae or bacteria are investigated. These studies provide the base for the synthesis of functional materials. Beside this work on molecular bionics also the processing of ceramics by the thermolysis of preceramic compounds as well as powder technology and sintering are treated. In addition to that, the characterization of the structure-property relations plays an important role.

Current offers: Within the framework of a collaborative project, we are looking for a PhD candidate who can work on the synthesis and characterization of hybrid inorganic-polymer membranes for high-temperature fuel cell application. This work will entail the preparation of polymer membranes together with gas diffusion electrodes for membrane electrode assemblies (MEA), as well as fuel cell measurements. For further information, please visit https://www.icvt.uni-stuttgart.de/institut/stellenangebote/

Solid state physics, correlated electron systems, molecular quantum materials, magnetically frustrated systems, quantum spin liquids, topological materials, Dirac and Weyl electrons, physics of low-dimensional solids, superconductivity, materials for quantum computers, superconducting electronics, electrodynamics of solids, infrared and THz optical measurements of solids, microwave spectroscopy, magneto-optics, ellipsometry,

The department uses neutron and X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy as well as optical spectroscopy and Raman scattering to explore the structure and dynamics of materials with strong electron correlations. We also have a strong effort in the development of new spectroscopic methods. As the close collaboration between experimentalists and theorists is essential for progress in this field, a small theory group operates within the department.

The research conducted by our group focuses on the development of advanced electronic structure theory for studying the complex magnetic, optical and catalytic properties of mono- and polynuclear transition metal clusters. Our work extends to the investigation of biological and biomimetic materials, as well as cluster models of crystals with increasing size and electronic complexity. Spin is the centerpiece of our research. Utilizing stochastic multiconfigurational methods, perturbation theory, and Multiconfiguration Pair-Density Functional Theory (MC-PDFT), we address open questions regarding their ground, excited, and transition states. For instance, we employ Stochastic-CASSCF, perturbation theory, and MC-PDFT to resolve the low-energy states of FeS cubanes, active in the nitrogen fixation process and the Co3ErO4 cubane, which serves as a biomimetic analog of the CaMn4O5 cluster in photosystem II, active towards the water splitting reaction. Our simulations provide valuable insights into the magnetic interactions across the metal centers, and predictions of the magnetic susceptibility at variable temperature. Additionally, we utilize metaheuristics, such as genetic algorithms and machine learning strategies, to enhance the efficiency of our electronic structure methods and to deepen our understanding of the magnetic properties of these systems.

Electrochemistry provides us with an unmatched lever to control the chemical equilibrium. Employing this lever in inorganic solid state chemistry allows the access to new (metastable) phases and structures. Concomitantly, electrochemistry affords an outstanding precision in the control and analysis of the composition of phases. This is particularly needed when studying complex physical phenomena such as superconductivity, because these properties are often very sensitive towards composition.
My group follows a combined electrochemical and solid state chemical approach, where electrochemistry is used to change the composition of solids post-synthetically, or compounds are synthesised directly from solution. Joining this approach with in-situ X-ray diffraction finally establishes a direct link between the electrochemical experiment and structural changes. This not only provides insights into complex physical phenomena, but is also the foundation of more applied topics such as battery research and electrochemical sensing.