Our research group is involved mainly in a number of material science issues which have a specific common basis: Optimization of materials and processes in a way that additional interface or porosity, respectively, is being made available or beneficially functionalized. The focus is placed upon organic-inorganic hybrid and functional materials. Many topics are related directly to the 'energy problem', i.e the fact that the commonly used (fossil) fuels are finite and that the costs for the exploitation probably will rise steeply in the near future. Furthermore, the replacement of fossil fuels is a necessity in order to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, which caused the so-called anthropogenic global warming effect. The topics include amongst others:
		Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of MOFs for gas storage and separation Synthesis and characterization of MOFs with mixed linkers Development and investigation of MOFs with chiral linkers Synthesis and characterization of MOFs with metal-metal multiple bonds Theoretical investigations concerning gas sorption and separation in crystalline, microporous solids with DFT and molecular mechanics methods
		Lithium (Ion) Batteries Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous templates for the development of structured cathode materials in lithium ion batteries Synthesis of mesostructured, lithium-containing, ternary or quaternary metal oxides as cathode materials in lithium ion batteries Optimization of the electrolyte of lithium ion batteries with regard to conductivity and safety issues ('soggy sand' concept) Development of materials for lithium-sulfur as well as for lithium-air batteries
		Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas (PMOs) and other Functionalized Silica Phases Synthesis and characterization of new PMOs In-situ investigations concerning the building mechanisms of PMOs with the help of small-angle X-ray diffraction Synthesis of PMOs with fluorescent or light-harvesting bridges for the construction of optical functional hybrid materials, for instance sensors Synthesis of PMOs with chiral bridges for the utilization in the field of enantioselective chromatography Development of core-shell particles based upon organosilica phases for employment as supports in HPLC applications Developent of functionalized, mesoporous silica phases as supporting materials for bio catalysts