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The focus of our research is the tailoring of the inorganic-organic interface in hybrid materials and nanocomposites with special interest in a controlled design of inorganic building blocks such as nanoparticles. The large interface area in these materials requires a specific knowledge in tailoring the chemistry between inorganic and organic moieties. The controlled design of the interface allows the induction of new properties in the final material. Our research is highly interdisciplinary between the fields of inorganic, organic, and polymer chemistry and utilizes a broad spectrum of techniques like X-ray diffraction, common spectroscopic methods, thermo-analytical methods or mechanical tests.
Associated work groups:
Speciation and elemental analyis
(apl. Prof. Dr. Ralf Kautenburger)
The research group WASTe (Working group for Analytical Speciation Techniques) is mainly focused on element trace and speciation analysis as well as on the development of innovative coupling techniques
Junior Research Group
(PD Dr. André Schäfer)
Environmental Analysis Unit
August 29, 2025 | Optimized synthesis strategy for transparent high-temperature materials in optical applications
A new study by Max Briesenick investigates how post-crosslinking strategies can improve the thermal and mechanical properties of siloxane/silsesquioxane hybrid materials. These hybrids, which contain sterically demanding aromatic units, often do not undergo complete crosslinking during thermal consolidation, limiting their performance in high-temperature environments. By adding specific additives, it was possible to develop materials with improved structural integrity, high degree of condensation, and remarkable thermal stability—up to 453 °C. The resulting polymers not only maintained their long-term optical transparency at 200 °C with minimal yellowing, but also exhibited elastic behavior at elevated temperatures. This elasticity, together with improved viscosity and reduced brittleness, makes them suitable for demanding thermal applications. The study has been published in the journal Molecules. Go to publication.
August 28, 2025 | Publication in Chemical Science
In collaboration with Prof. Richard Dronskowski's group at RWTH Aachen University, the bonding in intermetallic compounds of the Ca-Pt-Al system was investigated in detail. The compounds were produced and structurally examined by Dr. Stefan Engel during his dissertation. Now, with the help of quantum chemical calculations and the LOBSTER program package developed by colleagues in Aachen, it has been possible to gain a much deeper insight into the complex bonding situation of these compounds. The work was published in the flagship journal Chemical Science of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). to the publication
August 8, 2025 | Promotion von Mana Abdirahman Mohamed
As part of her doctoral thesis, Mana Mohamed investigated the continuous wet chemical synthesis of inorganic-organic hybrid materials. The materials are based on polyoxomolybdates and show promising properties as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Particularly noteworthy is that the materials can be used with or without temperature treatment, which significantly expands their potential applications. Her research makes important contributions to the development of efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies. Congratulations on your successful doctorate!
July 10, 2025 | Lorenzo Alberti says goodbye as an ERAMSUS+ student
Lorenzo Alberti, a doctoral student at the Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, spent six months as a guest in our research group. During his research stay, he worked on an exciting project to develop self-healing polymers based on metal-mediated cross-linking reactions. The time was not only extremely productive scientifically, but also personally enriching for the entire team. We would like to thank Lorenzo for the great collaboration and wish him continued success in his academic career!
June 19-22, 2025 | Elias Gießelmann and Oliver Janka participate in the 52nd Solid State Seminar in Hirschegg
Elias Gießelmann and Oliver Janka participated in the Solid State Seminar in Hirschegg again this year. Elias Gießelmann presented his research results in a lecture entitled “Frank-Kasper phases in the ternary system Hf-Nb-Al.”
June 18, 2025 | Active Together: The Research Group at the 2025 Company Run
The company run has become a fixed part of our working group's annual calendar—and this year, once again, a motivated team was at the starting line. The focus was not on athletic performance, but on the fun of running together and reaching the finish line. With plenty of team spirit and good humor, the group showed that community also plays an important role outside the laboratory. A big thank you to all participants for their commitment and the great atmosphere!
May 26, 2025 | Mechanochemical defect engineering of Nb₂O₅: New study on structural modification and photocatalysis
In a recent study, the mechanochemical partial reduction of niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) was systematically investigated using the reducing agents LiBH₄ and NaBH₄. The aim was to improve the electronic and photocatalytic properties of the material through targeted defect engineering. The results show that mechanochemical reduction is possible under the conditions used. Surprisingly, however, higher concentrations of the hydrides do not necessarily lead to greater reduction, as they buffer mechanical energy and thus reduce the efficiency of the process. The reduced samples showed significantly improved photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methylene blue under visible light – a promising approach for applications in environmental technology. The complete study was published in the journal Solids. Go to publication
May 24, 2025 | The Fascination of Chemistry – Participation in Open Campus 2025
This year, Prof. Guido Kickelbick once again played an active role in Saarland University's Open Campus 2025, presenting two exciting contributions from the world of chemistry. In his experimental lecture “Chemists have a solution for everything: hydrogen and hydrogen technology,” he and lab technician Henrike Waller introduced visitors to the fascinating world of hydrogen. He impressively demonstrated the potential of this element for a sustainable energy future—especially with regard to the Saarland region. In addition, Prof. Kickelbick invited visitors on an interactive journey of discovery through the periodic table under the title “The universe at a glance: The periodic table of elements.” In the foyer of the chemistry lecture hall building, interested visitors were able to experience the diversity and importance of the chemical elements using a large-format, interactive periodic table.
May 24, 2025 | Superparamagnetic ferrite nanoparticles: New synthesis route improves properties
In a recent study by Kimia Moghaddari, superparamagnetic ferrite nanoparticles with diameters between 5 and 8 nm were produced using thermal decomposition and microwave-assisted synthesis and systematically compared in terms of their structural and magnetic properties. The results show that the choice of metal ions and synthesis method has a decisive influence on the properties of the particles. Co-substituted ferrites in particular impressed with significantly improved heating capacity in an alternating magnetic field and an increased specific absorption rate (SAR). Microwave-assisted synthesis resulted in a more uniform particle size, optimized composition, and increased magnetization. The study underscores the importance of targeted material development for applications in materials science, particularly in the field of inductive heating. The complete study was published in Nanoscale Advances. Go to publication