Research at LMN

Our aim is to contribute to the development of novel materials with tailored properties as well as to the understanding and optimization of applied materials and devices. Therefore, we apply advanced and in situ light, electron and ion microscopy (TEM, SEM, FIB/SEM) in conjunction with complementary X-ray techniques in order to gain insight in the complex relationship between the material’s properties on the one hand and its (local) microstructure, crystal structure and chemistry on the other (figure on the right).

Moreover, we utilize and develop in situ EM techniques to understand materials under application-relevant conditions as well as to measure material properties down to the nm-scale. In additon to such materials characterization, which we offer to other university groups and external collaborators, we conduct independent materials research (deposition, synthesis, testing, operation) on novel 2D semiconductors as well as energy materials and devices (batteries and fuel cells). Our research field are:

Structure formation

• Impact of synthesis, surface modification & environment on nanomaterials
• Growth of 2D (semi)conductors on surfaces, impact of impurities

Phase transformations

• Mechanical/electrical long-term stability, decomposition of ceramics, metals & composites
• Impact of external stimuli like temperature, environment, pressure & load

Ion transport in solid materials

• Ion diffusion in battery materials & ceramics, impact of trace elements on decomposition of complex systems
• Impact of strain on electron and ion transport in complex composite materials

Defects and interfaces

• Structure, chemistry and properties of interfaces in solids, evolution of interfaces in devices during operation
• Dislocations in graphene and other 2D materials, impact of defects on electrical/mechanical properties

 Application and development of advanced methods

• FIB/SEM, CTEM, AC-HR(S)TEM, tomography, diffraction, spectroscopy (EDXS, EELS/EFTEM), LEEM
• in situ EM: cooling/heating, mechanical/electrical testing, environmental EM
• Inert gas/cryo-transfer of sensitive materials for (in situ) EM & surface methods in STM, LEEM
• TEM preparation techniques, synthesis routes for novel materials