Joint Laboratory for Nanomaterials

CVS facility with the possibility of capturing the as-synthesized particles under inert gas atmosphere in a glove box.Research in Joint Laboratory for Nanomaterials focuses on:

  • the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles
  • nanoparticulate layers
  • nanoporous as well as dense nanoscale materials
  • correlations between synthesis, interface and bulk properties and macroscopic functional and structural properties.

An important building block is the understanding of the surface, grain boundary and size effects on the physical material properties, which can be significantly different from classical crystalline bulk materials.

Energy Materials

Recently, research has focused on energy materials (batteries, fuel cells). In addition, (reversible) topochemical reactions (chemical and electrochemical) are under investigation, allowing for the adjustability of material properties. 

One of the aims is to consistently develop an understanding between process parameters and the resulting material properties. The materials of interest are produced by either a range of gas phase processes and subsequent densification of prepared nanopowders.

Crystallographic structure of Li7La3Zr2O12,
a potential solid electrolyte for lithium ion batteries.

Methods

A wide variety of methods for the characterisation of the as-synthesized powders are available and in constant use, among them:
  • X-ray powder diffraction
  • N2 adsorption
  • dynamic light scattering
  • impedance spectroscopy
  • cyclic voltammetry

 

For more details see TU Darmstadt webpage.