How a chemical reaction proceeds under certain conditions is often determined by the use of a suitable catalyst system. Characterising such systems and developing them for new reaction networks is of particular scientific but also economic interest.
Catalysis by cluster systems marks a unique field of basic research. The inherent peculiarity of clusters is that their properties cannot be deduced from the respective solid state material by scaling laws. Rather, they can change abruptly in a discrete progression from atom to solid state. The characterisation and understanding of these size-dependent properties are essential for the development of new catalyst systems for existing reactions.
In this process, it is necessary to produce clusters with a precise number of atoms and to investigate their catalytic properties on the desired surface in as isolated a manner as possible.
The research field of cluster catalysis of the research group deals exclusively with heterogeneous systems whose production and surface analysis require high or ultra-high vacuum conditions. The main challenge of the work is the systematic development of the production and characterisation of promising systems with respect to their chemical properties.
