Quantum & Energy Materials
DEPARTMENTS
DESCRIPTION
The Quantum and Energy Materials department works on fundmantal and applied materials science with strong efforts in quantum materials, e.g. 2D materials, both experimentally and theoretically, and energy materials covering the topics energy generation and storage with strong efforts in catalysis, fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaics.
Activities include experimental and theoretical research and development of 2D materials (graphene, transition metal di-chalcogenides, boron nitride, magnetic 2D materials, quantum spin Hall insulators, etc.), fabrication of devices based on 2D materials (e.g. biosensors and photodetectors), photovoltaic materials for advanced thin film solar cells (Cu(In,Ga)Se2, etc.), materials for solar-to-hydrogen conversion and batteries and research in atomic scale electronics, functional point defects in 2D materials for quantum technologies, etc.
ENERGY MATERIALS UNIT
The Laboratory for Nanostructured Solar Cells (LaNaSC) develops nano- and micro-structures of chalcopyrite-type semiconductors (Cu(In,Ga)Se2) for application in photovoltaic energy conversion.
The Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion group conducts both fundamental and application-oriented research on new nanomaterials and nanostructures that can be used for energy storage and conversion. Particular emphasis is at the moment placed on the preparation of hollow, porous nanostructures and ordered nanowire/nanotube arrays of various inorganic materials, which not only possess large surface to volume ratios but also facilitate the transportation of electrolytes/ions/charge carriers.
THEORY UNIT
The group of Theory of Quantum Nanostructures explores the electronic and spin properties of quantum systems engineered with atomic scale precision. Our motivation comes primarily from the curiosity to understand fundamental open questions of quantum mechanics and many body physics.
2D MATERIALS UNIT
The 2D Materials and Devices group (2DMD) research focus on CVD growth, transfer and device fabrication, using 2D materials, clean-room technology, and Raman imaging for structural characterization. Particular attention is given to biosensing devices, where immuno-assays and DNA sensors based on graphene liquid-gate FETs were developed. The devices specificity for particular biomarkers is achieved by functionalization of the graphene channel.
The Atomic Manipulation for Quantum Nanotechnology (AMQN) group is dedicated to creating novel two-dimensional materials and nanomaterials for the state-of-the-art magnetic, electronic, optoelectronic, electrochemical and energy applications. We focus on probing the structure-property interplay of low-dimensional material systems at the atomic scale so as to fulfill atomic manipulation of quantum nanostructures by combining (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopy, first-principles calculations and property assessment.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
GROUP LEADERS
ENERGY MATERIALS Unit
Sascha Sadewasser
Nanostructured Solar Cells
Lifeng Liu
Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion
THEORY Unit
Joaquin Fernández Rossier
Theory of Quantum Nanostructures
Nuno Peres
Electrodynamics Of 2D Materials
2D MATERIALS Unit
Pedro Alpuim
2D Materials and Devices
Zhongchang Wang
Atomic Manipulation for Quantum Nanotechnology
DESCRIPTION
The Department of Q&EM – Quantum & Energy Materials – works towards the understanding of both materials and energy exchange processes at the nanoscale where the laws of nature are governed by quantum mechanics.
Activities include experimental and theoretical research and development of 2D materials (graphene, transition metal di-chalcogenides, boron nitride, magnetic 2D materials, quantum spin Hall insulators, etc.), fabrication of devices based on 2D materials (e.g. biosensors and photodetectors), photovoltaic materials for advanced thin film solar cells (Cu(In,Ga)Se2, etc.), materials for solar-to-hydrogen conversion and batteries and research in atomic scale electronics, functional point defects in 2D materials for quantum technologies, etc.
ENERGY MATERIALS UNIT
Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion
The Laboratory for Nanostructured Solar Cells (LaNaSC) develops nano- and micro-structures of chalcopyrite-type semiconductors (Cu(In,Ga)Se2) for application in photovoltaic energy conversion.
The Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion group conducts both fundamental and application-oriented research on new nanomaterials and nanostructures that can be used for energy storage and conversion. Particular emphasis is at the moment placed on the preparation of hollow, porous nanostructures and ordered nanowire/nanotube arrays of various inorganic materials, which not only possess large surface to volume ratios but also facilitate the transportation of electrolytes/ions/charge carriers.
THEORY UNIT
The group of Theory of Quantum Nanostructures explores the electronic and spin properties of quantum systems engineered with atomic scale precision. Our motivation comes primarily from the curiosity to understand fundamental open questions of quantum mechanics and many body physics.
2D MATERIALS UNIT
The 2D Materials and Devices group (2DMD) research focus on CVD growth, transfer and device fabrication, using 2D materials, clean-room technology, and Raman imaging for structural characterization. Particular attention is given to biosensing devices, where immuno-assays and DNA sensors based on graphene liquid-gate FETs were developed. The devices specificity for particular biomarkers is achieved by functionalization of the graphene channel.
The Atomic Manipulation for Quantum Nanotechnology (AMQN) group is dedicated to creating novel two-dimensional materials and nanomaterials for the state-of-the-art magnetic, electronic, optoelectronic, electrochemical and energy applications. We focus on probing the structure-property interplay of low-dimensional material systems at the atomic scale so as to fulfill atomic manipulation of quantum nanostructures by combining (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopy, first-principles calculations and property assessment.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
GROUP LEADERS
ENERGY MATERIALS Unit
Sascha Sadewasser
Nanostructured Solar Cells
Lifeng Liu
Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion
THEORY Unit
Joaquin Fernández Rossier
Theory of Quantum Nanostructures
Nuno Peres
Electrodynamics Of 2D Materials
2D MATERIALS Unit
Pedro Alpuim
2D Materials and Devices
Zhongchang Wang
Atomic Manipulation for Quantum Nanotechnology
RESEARCH
DEPARTMENTS