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.
Recent work on 3D vertically aligned carbon nanotube/vanadium oxide composite materials is out
2024/11/04
In Chem. Eur. J. 2024, DOI:10.1002/chem.202402024, we report on a systematic investigation on temperature, precursor and reactor constraints for nanoscaled vanadium oxide/CNT composites. The interplay of experimental parameters governs the outcome of such reactions is reflected.
New work on bifunctional composite catalysts for Zn/air batteries
2024/10/10
Molecular approaches allow the fabrication of a ferrite based catalyst for a functional zinc-air battery. Together with carbon nanohorns (CNHs) a ferrite/CNH nanocomposite allows oxygen reduction and evolution. And nice too, the research made it to the cover of Adv. Mater. Interf. 2024, 11, 2400415
Insights into a theoretical understanding of domain boundaries and defects in porous alumina
2024/08/17
In a recent contribution to J. Phys. Chem. Letters we introduce a theory based on entropy production principles. It conveys the importance of fundamental limitations towards the extent of self organized hexagonal pores in alumina membranes (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01776).
Metal-free zinc-air batteries, contradiction or solved challenge?
2024/07/16
The use of the electrolyte as a dual component for the electrochemical processes taking place in a zinc/air accumulator is a completely new approach and gives the electrolyte a dual task. Read more about this now in GIT Laborfachzeitschrift, 07/22 2024
New p-type oxide semiconductor for flexible electronics
2024/06/06
Low temperature processing of p-type semiconducting α-TeO2 allows its fabrication on any kind of flexible substrate opening the door for application, e.g., in bendable/stretchable displays. For synthesis, processing and transistor performance see: https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202301082
Combining geopolymers and carbon nanomaterials
2024/03/26
Research with colleagues from the Construction and Building Materials group has revealed new effects of carbon nanohorns and nanotubes on geopolymers. These nanomaterials enhance flexural strength up to a max. of 58%. See the publication in Materials & Design 2024, 240, 112851
New electrode concept in recharchable zinc-air batteries published
2024/03/11
Zinc-air batteries without metallic zinc anodes are unprecedented so far. In a new concept the zinc reservoir can be precisely adjusted by electrodeposition of zinc from the electrolyte. The anode-free battery uses the electrolyte in a dual-mode functionality. See Small 2024, 2311065