Functional Molecules and Materials for Energy Conversion
PhD Students
Kathrin Kollmannsberger
Research: Atom-precise nanoclusters encapsulated in MOFs for electrochemical applications.
My work focuses on the synthesis and encapsulation of atom-precise, ligand-stabilized nanoclusters into MOFs. This stabilization permits the removal of weakly bound ligands from the cluster surface without risking severe agglomeration processes. The obtained metal@MOF systems are used as templates to form ultrasmall, supported metal nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. This approach is an opportunity to examine the influence of size, structure and composition of nanoclusters/-particles on the catalytic performance in electrochemical reactions.
Education: Chemistry B. Sc. (grad. 2017) and M. Sc. (grad. 2019) at the TU Munich. Chemistry PhD candidate since April 2020 at the TU Munich. DBU scholar since Nov. 2020.
Hobbies: Bouldering, Skiing, Piano.
Johanna Haimerl
Research: Designing coordination network-based photosystems toward CO2 reduction.
To optimize the catalytic performance of CO2 reduction and artificial photosynthesis in MOFs, many contributing factors need to be investigated. My work explores the impact of the nature of the photosystem, its environment and anchoring method in the framework toward better understanding of energy and electron transfer mechanisms as well as the subsequent chemical processes. Possible photosystems could consist of a photocatalytic active carbon dioxide reducing species as well as a photosensitizer, either as a coordination complex or an organic dye.
Education: B. Sc. (grad. 2018) at University Bremen, M. Sc. (grad. 2020) at the TUM & Chemistry. Hans-Fischer PhD fellowship funding starting in Jan. 2021 at the TUM.
Hobbies: Horseback Riding, Reading, Arts & Crafts.
Vanessa Ramm
Research: Photocatalytic Oxidations in Molecular Catalyst-Metal-Organic Framework-Hybrid Assemblies. Today’s society faces the central challenge of fulfilling a steadily increasing energy demand by establishing efficient sustainable energy supplies and resolve the global climate crisis. Towards solar fuel production via artificial photosynthesis, my research targets the development of efficient photocatalytic oxidations. This requires devising MOF materials amenable for heterogenization of molecular guests, getting insights into underlying elementary mechanisms, as well as fundamental photophysical processes for in-depth understanding.
Education: Chemistry B. Sc. (grad. 2020) and M. Sc. (grad. 2022) at the TU Munich.
Hobbies: Creative Outlets (e.g. Drawing, Sketching, Illustrations), Travelling, Festivals.
Simon Deger
Research: My PhD project focuses on the development of photoactive Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). The desired characteristics are transferred onto the material via the optical active linkers, which are designed to possess the respective properties. The characteristics that should be incorporated into the material and subsequently investigated are: photocatalysis, energy transfer and multiphoton absorption as well as the underlying structure. The overarching objective of this PhD project is to broaden the understanding of the structure-photophysical-property relationship in these materials.
Education: Chemistry B. Sc. (grad. 2019) and M. Sc. (grad. 2021) at the TU Munich. Chemistry PhD
Hobbies: Weightlifting, Football, Hiking
Shufan Wu
Research: MOF-derived energy harvest/storage integrated materials for photo-capacitors.
Integrating solar absorption and energy storage functions into a single, portable system is a very attractive research field. My work is dedicated to developing and studying MOF-based materials with combined functions, deeply investigating their integrated optoelectronic properties, and exploring their application potential in practical devices, such as photo-capacitors. In addition, my work also includes the application of MOF in conventional hybrid-ion supercapacitors/batteries.
Education: New Energy Materials and Devices B. Sc. (grad. 2019) at Anhui University. Materials Science and Engineering M. Sc. (grad. 2022) at the University of Science and Technology of China. CSC-Ph.D. funding starting in March. 2023 at the TU Munich.
Hobbies: Science fiction, Classical music, Cello, Fitness.
Nadine Schmaus
Research: Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production.
The field of photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels offers a promising avenue for addressing the energy demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This approach involves converting solar energy into storable and transportable solar fuels (e.g., H2, CO). Thin films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could provide an efficient platform for light absorption, charge transfer and catalysis enabling solar fuel generation. My PhD project focuses on the fabrication and performance optimisation of such MOF/metal oxide electrode/molecular catalyst assemblies.
Education: Chemistry B. Sc. (grad. 2020) and M. Sc. (grad. 2023) at the TU Munich.
Hobbies: Hiking, Skating, Arts & Crafts.
Masters' Students
2023 - Yishuo Chen
2023 - Rosalie Baus
Alumni
2023 - Dr Philip Stanley (PhD)
2022 - Mykhaylo Parkulab (Masters' student)
2020 - Markus Schilling (RLC student)