Ab initio methods (including density functional theory) will be applied to problems of interest in heterogeneous catalysis, surface chemistry, electrochemistry, and photochemistry.
Topics of particular current interest include the interplay between charge, orbital, and spin degrees of freedom in transition metal oxides, the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity, and the control of electronic phase behavior in metal-oxide superlattices.
The Lotsch department employs modern techniques of nanochemistry and combines them with classical methods of solid-state synthesis to develop materials with complex property profiles, including two-dimensional systems and layered heterostructures, porous frameworks, photonic nanostructures, and solid electrolytes for applications in (photo)catalysis, sensing, and solid-state batteries.
The research ranges from the exploration of basic mechanisms to the design of materials for electrochemical applications (batteries, fuel cells, sensors).
Induced by quantum mechanical phenomena, heterostructures grown from complex materials offer a fascinating potential to create novel electron systems.
The Department of Quantum Materials, led by Hidenori Takagi, is studying these interesting novel phases in transition metal oxides and related compounds where the narrow d-bands, which give rise to strong electron correlations, in combination with the rich chemistry of such materials provide excellent opportunities for new discoveries.
The center explores novel scientific aspects of molecular nanostructures with a particular focus on new science relevant for sustainable energy, chemical sensing and biomedical technologies.