Micro and nanostructured functional materials

In this project, the German Research Foundation is providing support for new equipment for the purpose of knowledge-oriented research. With this major instrumentation funding, a multipurpose powder diffractometer with interchangeable tubes and a coupled AFM-Raman microscope with multiple excitation wavelengths and detectors will be procured. The instruments will be used, for example, for the chemical-structural analysis of nanomaterials for fuel cells and of steels for hydrogen technologies.

First and foremost is the development and investigation of alternative electrode and catalyst carrier materials for the polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs). In addition to the materials for PEMs, the influence of residual stresses on the embrittlement of steels will be investigated. Steel will play an important role in the transport and storage of hydrogen, e.g., as a container material. Hydrogen is known to cause embrittlement of steel, so it can be assumed that residual stresses in steel will have an influence on the stability of the material.

Both new instruments will also support valuable contributions in the field of medical technology, for example, in analysing stresses in implants and recognising defects in materials. Furthermore, the both devices will support the continued development of bioactive glasses or recyclable silicones.

The major instruments will be procured in 2023 and be available for use as of mid-2024.

Project leader: Prof. Uta Helbig

Funded by the German Research Foundation