Applied Quantum Materials

 

Prof. Gabi Schierning’s experimental research group, based in Duisburg, focuses on advanced electronic materials for energy applications. By exploring the relationship between microstructure, electronic properties, and transport phenomena, the team gains fundamental insights into materials behavior and optimize their performance for future energy solutions. Their research is structured into three main areas:

  1. Quantum materials based on nanoparticles: Investigation of topological insulators and their unique surface transport properties. Through nanoparticle-based material design, we seek to enhance the contribution of surface transport properties, enabling potential applications in quantum computing and spintronics.
     

  2. Electronic Instabilities in Phase Transitions: Study of martensitic phase transitions, charge density waves, and electronic correlations in functional materials, with a focus on shape memory alloys. In our group, we use transport measurements in combination with microstructure analysis to characterise the electronic contributions and the resulting microstructure during these phase transitions.
     

  3. Hydrogen-Material Interactions: Research on how hydrogen affects the electronic subsystem and transport properties of materials, contributing to the development of hydrogen-based energy technologies.
     

  4. Crystal growth: Own production of single crystals to ensure availability of high-quality samples for their experiments. This includes standard furnaces for solid state synthesis as well as design and construction of new crystal growth equipment like a self-built micro-pulling down system.
     

By integrating materials science, condensed matter physics, and energy applications, the work of Prof. Gabi Schierning and her team contributes to advancements in next-generation energy technologies.

Prof. Dr. Gabi Schierning

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 37-98121

E-Mail:

Dr. Sepideh Izadi

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 3072

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My research focuses on (a) the electrical transport properties of topological insulator chalcogenide nanoparticle-based materials and (b) the interplay between electrical transport characteristics and catalytic activities in catalyst materials.

Dr. Alexander Kunzmann

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2839

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Development and optimization of synthesis and crystal growth processes; electronic and structural characterization by different methods including DSC, Raman spectroscopy and electronic transport measurements.

Dr. Negin Beryani-Nezafat

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 3072

E-Mail:

I specialize in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology and sputtering, focusing on the deposition and characterization of thin films for device fabrication. My research also explores the micromorphology and surface transport properties of thin films, with a strong emphasis on topological insulator materials.

Dr. Klara Lünser

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 1273

E-Mail:

Group leader for properties and characterisation of intermetallic phases

My research focuses on martensitic transformations, specifically on the interplay of electrons and the martensitic microstructure, the dynamics of the transformation, as well as the influence of hydrogen on phase transformations.

Daniela Willemsen

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2599

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Susanne Kunzmann

Applied Quantum Materials

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Investigation of displasive/martensitic phase transitions in different classes of materials using ab initio methods, in particular density functional theory (DFT) to study the atomic and electronic structure as well as the dynamic properties of materials during a structural transformation.

Niklas Libke

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 4388

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Investigating NiTiCu intermetallic phases and their martensitic transitions, focusing on electron-driven influences. Utilizing electrical transport properties to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Hamta Mansouri

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2836

E-Mail:

I studied materials science and metallurgy in Iran, and during my one-and-a-half-year scholarship, I have been working on the transport properties of agglomerated nanoparticles made from recycled silicon.

Inci Sahin

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2836

E-Mail:

Topological insulator materials feature intrinsically protected surface transport channels that host high-mobility electrons. Notably, these properties remain robust even in rough and nanocrystalline samples, eliminating the need for perfect surfaces. This study investigates the potential suitability of topological insulators as electrode materials for hydrogen electrocatalysis, leveraging their unique quantum transport characteristics.

Timon Sieweke

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2836

E-Mail:

Design and implementation of crystal growth setups. Working on a floating zone furnace to establish a process for the synthesis of shape memory alloys like NiTi. Method and material are connect to a previously built micro pulling down furnace.

Research interests: Crystal growth, floating-zone & micro-pulling-down, shape memory alloys, Nickel Titanium.

Michael Staiger

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 2836

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Isa Kleine-Bekel

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 1273

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Studying the influence of hydrogen on conduction electrons in metallurgical processes like precipitation formation and its impact on material properties while also making our research accessible through science communication and outreach production.

Torben Tappe

Applied Quantum Materials

Phone: +49 203 379 4388

E-Mail:

My research focuses on the interactions between free electrons and hydrogen in intermetallic compounds and alloys. I investigate how hydrogen affects the electronic structure and transport properties of these materials.