Prof. Dr. Guido Kickelbick

October 2, 2025 | New publication on the mechanochemical activation of

In a recent publication, Tobias Straub and Elias Gießelmann investigated how mechanochemical activation (MCA) affects sodium intercalation in NaTi₂(PO₄)₃ (NTP) – a promising material from the NASICON family for sodium-ion energy storage. The study showed that grinding can significantly reduce crystallite size and increase specific surface area. These structural changes have a significant impact on the material's ability to interacalate sodium ions. It became particularly clear that the efficiency of intercalation depends not only on mechanical activation, but is also strongly determined by the chemical nature of the sodium source used. The study was published in the journal RSC Mechanochemistry. Go to publication.

October 2, 2025 | First mechanochemical synthesis of MgV₂O₄

In a recent publication, our working group, in collaboration with the groups of Prof. Chris Kay (Saarland University) and Prof. Oliver Clemens (University of Stuttgart), reports on the successful synthesis of magnesium vanadate (MgV₂O₄) using mechanochemical processes. As part of the work, Anna Michaely investigated how the choice of starting materials and the intensity of the grinding process affect the phase formation, microstructure, and electrochemical properties of MgV₂O₄. The synthesis was carried out using high-energy ball mills, whereby the exothermic reaction between V₂O₅ and Mg led to the formation of the desired spinel phase within just 20 minutes. Accompanying DFT calculations provided important thermodynamic information on the reactivity of the various reactant combinations. The results show that moderate grinding conditions lead to improved conductivity, while overly intensive grinding processes cause structural defects and increased grain boundary resistance.  Go to publication.

October 2, 2025 | Graduation of Max Briesenick

We congratulate Max Briesenick on successfully completing his doctorate! In his now completed doctoral thesis, he focused on the synthesis of transparent silsesquioxane-siloxane oligomers for optical applications with an adjustable refractive index. His research showed that highly refractive and thermally stable systems can be realized—however, some of these materials require special post-treatment. Max not only succeeded in synthesizing chain-shaped oligomers, but also demonstrated the formation of polyhedral structures, opening up new perspectives for material development. We are delighted about this important scientific contribution and wish Max all the best for his future endeavors!

September 22 ,2025 | Melting, mixing, fluorescing—a new process enables the encapsulation of fluorescent dyes

In a paper published today, Svenja Pohl, Nils Steinbrück, and Michal Pachnicz have presented for the first time a melt-emulsion strategy for the production of polyphenylsilsesquioxane (PPSQ) microspheres with embedded hydrophobic dyes. The starting point was a thermoplastic, low-crosslinked PPSQ precursor—the so-called “melting gel”—which can be emulsified in hot water with Triton™ X-405 above 70°C. Subsequent condensation with caustic soda leads to the formation of solid microspheres with an average diameter of approximately 3 μm. Targeted heat treatment further increased the cross-linking and removed the surfactant residues, converting the particle surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The phenyl-rich matrix enables efficient embedding of hydrophobic fluorescent dyes. Particularly noteworthy is the high quantum yield of the dye in the matrix and the good dye distribution. This new method opens up innovative avenues for optoelectronic applications such as LED encapsulations and luminescent solar concentrators. The study has been published in the journal Materials Advances. Go to publication.

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!