Advanced materials are the foundation of tomorrow’s technologies. Their properties arise from a complex interplay of structural features—ranging from the atomic composition and spatial arrangement of atoms to macroscopic aspects like particle size and microstrain. Since all these characteristics are determined during synthesis, a detailed understanding of the synthesis-structure relationships is essential for the rational design of materials tailored to future energy applications.
One of the foci of our research group is to develop the understanding how we can control the synthesis of complex oxidic functional materials. We aim to develop innovative strategies for material design by unraveling how atomic, electronic, and microstructural features evolve during synthesis or under external stimuli. To achieve this, we use cutting-edge characterization techniques at large-scale facilities such as synchrotrons, allowing us to study these dynamic processes in real time.
In addition to conventional materials, a major focus of our work lies in the emerging class of high-entropy oxides (HEOs). These materials represent compositionally complex solid solutions and break with traditional design concepts by incorporating multiple elements in nearly equal proportions within a single crystalline structure. This novel approach offers remarkable flexibility for tailoring material properties, opening new avenues for functionality and performance.
Despite their promise, many fundamental questions remain about HEOs, particularly regarding their synthesis, ion mixing limitations, and performance. Our project “High-entropy oxides as innovative energy materials”, supported by the Ministry for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW) through a NRW Returning Scholars grant, seeks to address these challenges. By establishing synthesis-structure-performance relationships and guiding design principles, our research aims at developing the next generation of materials that could drive advances in catalysis, energy storage, and sustainable technologies.