Within the framework of the Helmholtz program “Science and Technology of Nanosystems” (STN), the IMVT is working in the topic “Nanomaterials - Function and Manufacturing”

Nanoscale materials possess unique physical, chemical, mechanical, and electronical properties e.g. due to their large surface-to-volume ratio and, thus, are being promesing materials for a large number of applications. For example, nanoscale materials are already employed in industrial catalysis. In most cases effective nanomaterials have been found through trial and error, and the relationship between their structure and properties is far from being understood. With a detailed knowledge of this relationship, it would be possible to fully exploit the potential of nanoscale materials and identify further fields of application.

In the framework of the topic “Nanomaterials - Function and Manufacturing,” a large number of catalytically active materials should be prepared and characterized extensively. Theoretical studies are being conduction to elucidate the relationship between structure and properties. This information will open up the possibility of rational catalyst design. The aim is to tailor the structural properties of the materials in order to achieve an optimal performance in a certain application. This approach can also include external influences on the catalyst such as electric or electromagnetic fields.

Research topics