Nanoparticulate structures and nanoporous materials

Two examples of scale-bridging and complementary tomography techniques on nanoparticulate structures and nanoporous materials: (upper row) 360° electron tomography (ET) of micro-/macroporous MFI-type zeolite particles and (bottom row) X-ray nanotomography (Nano-CT) of magic colloidal clusters composed of >1000 polystyrene (PS) balls: (a, d) SEM overview images of several particles/clusters; (b, e) single particle/cluster on tomography tip plateaus; (c, f) Renderings of and further virtual cuts through 3D reconstructions.

Quantitative knowledge of the 3D structure of particles and particle aggregates down to nanometer scale is essential for a fundamental understanding, modelling and optimisation of optical properties like, e.g., plasmon resonances and structural colour. Similarly, quantitative knowledge of the 3D pore structure of particles, thin films and stationary phase materials is crucial for understanding, modelling and optimising for instance nanoparticle separation by chromatographic processes or gas transport properties for catalytic applications. Electron microscopy and X-ray microscopy techniques play a key role for structural characterisation of nanoparticles, particle ensembles and nanoporous materials and are extensively used for evaluation of synthesis routes and particle and pore design principles.

At IMN, we perform cutting-edge electron microscopy, electron tomography and Nano-CT characterisation of nanoparticulate and nanoporous materials by using the state-of-the-art equipment of the Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM).

The research in this area is partly funded by the follow-up institution at FAU of the DFG Cluster of Excellence EXC 315 “Engineering of Advanced Materials”. Moreover, this research area is funded by the DFG within SFB1141 “Design of Particulate Products” as well as SFB1452 “Catalysis at liquid interfaces”. Within these projects, we have built up a remarkable track record throughout the last years in the field of nano-tomography including Nano-CT, electron tomography and FIB/SEM tomography, since these 3D imaging techniques are often indispensable to unravel important properties of the studied class of material.

 

Current members

Current PhD students

Graduated PhDs

Dr.-Ing. Stefanie Spallek

Dr.-Ing. Benjamin Apeleo Zubiri

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Przybilla

Dr.-Ing. Janis Wirth