Prof. Dr. Guido Kickelbick

12.06.2026 | New Publication: Solid-State Polymerization of Silsesquioxanes

In a recent publication titled “Substituent-Dependent Structural Trends in Thermal Condensation of Silanetriols and Disiloxanetetraols,” Jan-Falk Kannengießer presents a catalyst- and solvent-free approach to the synthesis of oligosilsesquioxanes. The results show that the network structure depends heavily on the aromatic substituent: phenyl and 1-naphthyl systems form ladder-like structures, while 2-naphthyl leads to distinctly different, cyclic or layered architectures. Thermal condensation enables a higher degree of condensation than classical wet-chemical methods and proceeds directly via silanol groups without alcohol formation. The study underscores the potential of this sustainable synthetic route for the targeted production of novel, structure-defined materials. The work is dedicated to Prof. Ulrich Schubert, Prof. Kickelbick’s doctoral advisor, on the occasion of his 80th birthday and has been published in the journal Chemistry – A European Journal. Link to the publication.

04.-07.06.2026 | Cedric Kloos und Oliver Janka nehmen am 53.ten Festkörperseminar in Hirschegg teil

Cedric Kloos und Oliver Janka besuchten auch 2026 wieder das Festkörperseminar in Hirschegg. Auf der 53.ten Ausgabe präsentierte Cedric Kloos seine Forschungsergebnisse in einem Vortrag zum Thema „Sulfidierung von Ba_1-xEuAl₄”.

03.06.2026 | Aaron Haben's Successful PhD Defense

We congratulate Aaron Haben on the successful completion of his doctoral dissertation, titled “Method development for the quantification of radionuclide retention in repository-relevant construction and backfill materials.” As part of his dissertation, Mr. Haben made an important contribution to the safety case for German final repositories for high-level radioactive waste. The aim of the work was to systematically investigate the retention of relevant radionuclides in construction and backfill materials, thereby deepening the understanding of key processes for long-term safety. A particular focus was placed on the development of innovative analytical methods for the precise determination of retention parameters. To this end, miniaturized column experiments (MSE) were established, enabling, for the first time, time- and resource-efficient investigations of dynamic sorption and remobilization processes. In addition, Mr. Haben developed laser ablation-based analytical methods (LA-ICP-QQQ) that allow for highly sensitive quantification of trace elements and element ratios in solid phases. These methodological advances significantly expand the available toolkit for assessing final repository safety. We are pleased with this significant scientific contribution to final repository research and wish Mr. Haben all the best and much success in his future career.

June 2, 2026 | Team spirit on the racecourse: Our team at the 2026 company run

Running shoes instead of lab coats: Our workgroup once again participated in the company run in 2026, proving once more that teamwork doesn’t end at the office. Our team took to the starting line with plenty of energy, high spirits, and a strong sense of camaraderie. The focus wasn’t on the race time, but on the shared experience. A big thank you to everyone who took part!

06.05.2026 | Erfolgreiche Promotion von Angelika Meyer

Wir gratulieren Angelika Meyer herzlich zum erfolgreichen Abschluss ihrer Promotion. In ihrer Dissertation mit dem Titel „Advancing Chemical Water Quality Monitoring in Small and Medium-Sized Rivers: The Critical Role of Real-Time Measurements for Detecting Pollution Sources and Evaluating Chemical Status“ widmet sie sich der Weiterentwicklung der chemischen Gewässerüberwachung. Im Fokus der Arbeit stehen insbesondere kleine und mittlere Fließgewässer, die aufgrund ihrer hohen Sensibilität besonders stark auf Belastungen reagieren. Frau Meyer zeigt auf, dass die bislang gängige Praxis der Überwachung mittels monatlicher Stichproben diesen dynamischen Systemen nicht gerecht wird und zu unzureichenden sowie teils fehleranfälligen Bewertungen führen kann. Ein zentraler Beitrag der Dissertation liegt in der Demonstration, wie durch den Einsatz von Echtzeit-Monitoring eine deutlich präzisere und verlässlichere Bewertung des Gewässerzustands erreicht werden kann. Durch die kontinuierliche Messung wichtiger Parameter wie Sauerstoff, pH-Wert, Phosphor, Ammonium, Nitrat und Chlorid lassen sich Belastungsspitzen lückenlos erfassen und deren Ursachen gezielt identifizieren. Der vorgestellte Ansatz ermöglicht nicht nur eine differenzierte Charakterisierung des chemischen Zustands von Gewässern, sondern schafft zugleich eine fundierte Grundlage für effektive Maßnahmen im Gewässerschutz im Sinne der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie (WRRL). Wir freuen uns sehr über diesen bedeutenden wissenschaftlichen Beitrag und gratulieren Angelika Meyer erneut zu diesem Erfolg.

31.03.2026 | Susanne Harling and Andreas Adolf are retiring

Two influential figures in the field of inorganic chemistry are retiring after many years of dedicated service. Susanne Harling most recently oversaw CHN analysis for the Department of Chemistry and, through her reliable and competent work, played a key role in shaping day-to-day research activities. Andreas Adolf was considered a central pillar of the Experimental Chemistry lecture series and was an indispensable part of the popular Christmas lecture for many years. During a ceremony, Professors Kickelbick and Seschkewitz honored the extraordinary, long-standing dedication of both colleagues. Particular emphasis was placed on their great dedication to teaching and research, their open and approachable manner, and the high regard in which they were held within the inorganic chemistry research groups. The Department of Chemistry extends its heartfelt thanks for their outstanding collaboration and wishes Ms. Harling and Mr. Adolf all the best for this new chapter in their lives.

09.03.2026 | German Research Foundation (DFG) Funds Project on the Oxidation of Intermetallic Compounds

Effective immediately, the DFG is funding a project submitted by PD Dr. Oliver Janka titled “Oxidation of Intermetallic Aluminum Compounds for the Preparation of (New) Chalcogenides” through a research grant. The goal is to synthesize known and new oxides, sulfides, selenides, and tellurides using intermetallic aluminum compounds as starting materials. Within the scope of the project, a distinction is made between compounds that have defined oxidation states in their oxidized form and those in which one of the metals can exhibit multiple oxidation states. For example, the formation of divalent and trivalent europium can be achieved during the oxidation of EuAl₂. Depending on the reaction conditions used, this is even possible selectively.

09.02.2026 | Doctorate by Anna Michaely

We warmly congratulate Anna Michaely on the successful completion of her doctoral thesis in the field of mechanochemical reduction of metal oxides. In her research, she succeeded in developing new synthetic approaches to reduced titanium, vanadium, and niobium oxides. The results open up promising prospects for more sustainable reduction processes, as they demonstrate that mechanochemical methods allow for significantly lower temperatures and thus lower energy consumption than conventional reduction methods. We are delighted with this important scientific contribution and wish Anna all the best for her future endeavors!

29.01.2026 | Doctorate by Svenja Pohl

In her doctoral thesis, Svenja Pohl focused on the synthesis of so-called melting gels from trialkoxysilanes and the detailed elucidation of their structure and the underlying structure-property relationships. Her research provided crucial insights into the cause of the formation of these special thermoplastic hybrid polymers, which are produced by a sol-gel process. Svenja not only succeeded in identifying the fundamental mechanisms of formation, but also demonstrated the potential of the insights gained for applications in the field of optical materials. We are delighted about this significant scientific contribution and wish Svenja all the best for her future!