Faculty of Chemistry

Our current research is part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center (SFB/TRR 247) and is dedicated to "Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase". In other words, we are working on accelerating the production of liquid chemicals on the surfaces of solid-state materials. We are investigating fundamental optimization processes that enable rational design and improvement of abundant and low-cost oxides as an alternative to expensive metals for their potential use as catalytic materials to produce environmentally friendly chemical fuels.

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Fig. 1: Oxidation of Ethylene
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We are conducting simulation work to bring the understanding of oxides liquid phase oxidation catalysis, on which most industrial processes are based, to the same level as that of the already well-established gas phase catalysis on metals. We work in an interdisciplinary environment and we are partner for the theoretical expertise for various experimental projects within the SFB/TRR 247 and beyond, to shed light on important and fundamental aspects of heterogeneous liquid phase catalysis on oxide surfaces that might not be accomplished experimentally.

Also, we are involved in many collaborations with physicists and chemists from Africa and we investigated oxidic spinels, perovskites and Heuslers materials for catalysis,energy and environmental research.