The aim of our research is to correlate synthesis and processing of materials with properties and device function through their atomic, nano and micro scale structure in order to provide a knowledge base for tailoring new materials.

We are using state-of-the-art imaging, spectroscopy and diffraction based electron microscopy techniques, both in-situ and ex-situ, to understand materials and provide a link to simulations. When state-of-the-art techniques do not provide sufficient answers, we tackle research problems by dedicated method developments.

Electron Microcoscopy Method Development

We are currently focusing on three main methodology areas for in-situ functional and quantitative materials characterization.

In-situ TEM

In-situ and operando TEM provides a direct link between structural evolution and materials properties or function and the ability to identify transient structures, which cannot be observed ex-situ. We are using and optimizing the techniques, combining them in particular with various 4D-STEM and spectroscopic techniques.

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4D-STEM

4D-STEM techniques have been shown to be extremely powerful, opening the possibility of high-end structural characterization using ptychography, pair distribution function mapping or quantitative crystal orientation analysis as well as functional characterization by quantitatively measuring magnetic or electric field distributions. ACOM-STEM: Crystal orientation mapping – STEM-PDF: Atomic pair distribution function mapping for local atomic bonding and coordination in disordered and amorphous materials.

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Electron Tomography

We are developing electron tomography as an approach to quantify the 3D nano and micro structure. In collaborations, we are using this experimental 3D structure as basis for diffusion or flow simulations.

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Materials Research

We are applying state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques such as (S)TEM, EELS, EDX, NBED, tomography and FIB as well as our own developments to characterize materials in a wide range of application areas.

 
Batteries
Batteries
Catalysis
Catalysis
Magnetic Materials
Magnetic Materials
Metallic Glasses
Metallic Glasses
Nanocrystalline Metals
Nanocrystalline Metals
Compositionally Complex Alloys
Compositionally Complex Alloys
High Entropy Oxides
High Entropy Oxides
Multiferroic Thin Films
Multiferroic Thin Films

Equipment

Most of the experimental research is performed at the Institute of Nanotechnology and the Karlsruhe Nano Micro Facility. The equipment available for TEM and FIB analysis and the related sample preparation, data processing and management can be found there.