To understand and control combustion processes and nanomaterials synthesis in the gas phase at a microscopic level is the major topic the more than researchers in the combustion and gasdynamics group. They participate in the Collaborative Research Center SFB445 and the Research training group GRK1240. Professor Schulz is the director of the Center of NanoIntegration CeNIDE and founder and director of the NanoEnergyTechnologyCenter, NETZ. Close links exist to the Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA) in the field of nanoparticle synthesis on the pilot plant scale.

The research group synthesizes nanoparticles with tailor-made properties in flames, plasmas, and wall-heated reaction apparatus, especially for applications in energy technology. A second research focus is the development and application of laser-based techniques for non-intrusive measurements of concentrations, temperature, droplet and particle sizes, and velocity in reactive flows. In-cylinder processes in internal combustion engines as well as other reaction processes in the gas-phase are investigated. The researchers also study reaction rates and mechanisms of combustion, ignition, and particle formation in shock tubes. The combination of experimental approaches with modeling of reaction mechanisms and the simulation of reactive flows provides a comprehensive description of combustion processes and reactive high-temperature flows for particle synthesis.

Students learn the description of reactive flows in combustion technology and materials synthesis and the kinetics of processes in the gas phase at high temperatures. The curriculum includes combustion theory and internal combustion engines as well as laser optical diagnostics in reactive flows.