CENIDE: Main Research Areas
Dynamic Processes in Solid-State Bodies
CENIDE studies the dynamics of elementary excitations in solid-state bodies on surfaces or in nanoparticles or nanostructures with the highest time resolution. We observe structural excitations, phase transitions and transient heating or cooling by electron or X-ray diffraction with a time resolution of a few hundred femtoseconds. CENIDE investigates the even faster dynamics of electronic systems by electron emission spectroscopy and microscopy with a time resolution of 10 to 20 femtoseconds. With the help of these advanced methods, CENIDE has gained numerous new insights regarding mechanisms on the nanoscale.
Gas-Phase Synthesis
The synthesis of nanoparticles in the gas phase enables the fabrication of ultrapure tailor-made materials in scalable processes. CENIDE comprehensively studies gas-phase processes based on the mechanistic observation of the gas-phase chemistry and on the interaction of particles with molecules and particles with particles. Experiments in highly instrumented shock wave and flow reactors provide insight into previously unexplored reaction systems. CENIDE develops, reduces and couples detailed mechanisms with numerical flow simulations to maximize what we can learn from the experiments, optimize processes and design scaled-up processes. CENIDE also uses flame, plasma and tube reactors from laboratory scale to pilot-plant scale in order to fabricate metallic, semimetallic and oxidic materials with a wide spectrum of properties. Comprehensive in situ and ex situ measurements contribute to the improvement and validation of the simulation concepts.
Magnetism
In the area of magnetism, CENIDE focuses on the fabrication and highly specific characterization of new materials and hybrids from microscopic- to macroscopic-length scales as well as ab initio modeling. As building blocks for modern hybrid systems, ultrathin metallic and oxidic films, nanoparticles and molecular nanomagnets play an important role. In characterization, CENIDE focuses analysis on the following: high-resolution spin-polarized electronic structure, spin structure and spin texture, spin-dependent transport and spin dynamics up to ultrafast phenomena. The link between fundamental and materials research and high application potential (hard magnets, magnetic sensors, magnetocalorics, innovative spin electronics, spin caloritronics and spin logics) is the basis for close collaboration between university-based research groups and industry partners – for example, in coordinated EU projects.
Nanobiomaterials
Biomaterials are natural or artificial substances in contact with biological systems. At CENIDE, we study this interaction in materials, surfaces, particles and macromolecules. This research area benefits from our expertise in the materials and biological sciences (colloids, macromolecules, proteins, imaging) as well as in the chemical and physical sciences (synthesis, magnetisms, photonics) – for example, in the area of nanobiophotonics. CENIDE has extensive expertise in scalable synthesis of inorganic, biofunctionalized, colloidal nanoparticles and stabilization of these particles for use in biological environments. The combination of scientists from numerous fundamental and application-oriented coordinated research projects (nanosafety, nano–bio response) within one center is unique. We study protein interactions coherently and in an interdisciplinary way with the help of supramolecular tools and nanoparticles. Characterization methods comprise the full spectrum of modern instrumental nanoparticle colloid analytics (AUZ, DLS, NTA, ADC, AFFF) combined with the solid-state nanoanalytics center ICAN.
Contact Prof. habil. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Barcikowski
Nano Energy Technology
In the area of nano energy technology, CENIDE seeks to discover how nanomaterials can be exploited for energy technology, especially in the context of energy conversion and storage. To facilitate cutting-edge research and development, we’ve developed the 3,900 m2 Nano Energy Technology Center (NETZ). The basis is a proprietary system for the gas-phase synthesis of nanomaterials, with a production scale that is relevant for real-world applications. Dedicated laboratories such as “linked facilities” and a state-of-the-art microscopy center enable the development of advanced synthesis and processing methods for a wide range of functional nanostructures. As a result, CENIDE covers the entire chain: from synthesizing nanomaterials and linking them to macroscopic structures all the way up to devices and finished components. From the mechanistic side, mainly electronic, ionic and heat transfer, as well as principles of charge separation and transfer, are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Main application areas include thermoelectrics, catalysis, photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
