Research in the Schneider group focusses on materials synthesis and application in the broad field of nanomaterials. Main material foci are currently on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanohorns (CNHs) and 2D materials like graphene and metal sulfides. Moreover, various metal oxide compositions and organometallics are also in the center of interest. With these material approaches we are thrieving to study the potential of these nanomaterials in applications like sensors (chemoresistors, NEMS, mechano- and biosensors), batteries (Li-ion, Zn/air), electronics (dielectrics, transistors) and adsorption phenomena (gas, liquid) based on the interface driven chemistry between material and adsorbent. Our research covers the full spectrum of materials synthesis, materials characterization and incorporation of those materials in device architectures of choice in order to deliver a full system set up. This is a most challenging task but allows to understand the subtle interplay of defined materials chemistry, physics and system engineering to achieve full functionality in such devices. This approach requires a tool-box of experimental methods employing solution based molecular chemistry and solid state chemistry techniques as well as gas phase routes like e.g. chemical and physical vapor and atomic layer deposition.
New paper on ZnO defects in thin films is out
2021/02/12
Chem Eur. J. 2021, 27, DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004270. Defect sites in metal oxide especially point defects like oxygen vacancies or zinc interstitials in the micro-structure of zinc oxide thin films are important for controlling charge carrier mobilities in thin film transistor devices.
New paper on Zn/air batteries is out
2021/01/12
J. Power Sources, 2021, 488, 229393: It describes fabrication and use of a porous carbon matrix containing finely dispersed ZnO nanoparticles as anode in a zinc-air cell showing full rechargeability. It allows for an improved zinc utilization in a newly devised cell set up and an unprecedented cyclability.
Faculty Position for former group member
2020/11/03
Former PhD student and post-doc in the Schneider group Deepu J. Babu accepted an offer for a position as Assistent Prof. in the Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering Department at IIT Hyderabad, India! Congrats Deepu!
Sherif Okeil has successfully defended his PhD thesis in July!
2020/10/21
In October he starts his post-doc at TU Braunschweig, Institute for Particle Technology. Sherif has won 3rd price in the EFSUN best paper award competition in a highly competetive field of young scientists at Sabanci University, Instanbul, Turkey, in August. Well done Sherif!