Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy

Research Activities at the Faculty

The Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy can look back on a successful year of research in 2006, when it shaped many of the research activities at the University of Leipzig. The institutes work on the following complex research programmes:
Graduate College “Mechanistic and Applicational Aspects of Non-Conventio-nal Oxidation Reactions”

Co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Evamarie Hey-Hawkins (Institute of Inorganic Chemistry)
Non-conventional aspects of a central chemical reaction, the oxidation reaction, is studied within an interdisciplinary research programme. In addition to the regular research work within the framework of the doctoral programmes, a special interdisciplinary training programme is available for participating postgraduate students.
The main targets of the research programme of the Graduate College are the development of new oxidising agents, their application in synthesis, enzymatic oxidation reactions, including the characterisation and structure determination of the enzymes, and investigation of reactive oxygen species in living organisms.
Period: 01.10.1997 - 30.09.2006

International Research Training Group, DFG “Diffusion in Porous Materials”
Speaker: Prof. Dr. J. Kärger (University of Leipzig, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science), Prof. Dr. Freek Kapteijn (Technische Universiteit Delft)
PhD project: Isomerization of arylalkanes in porous solid acids. Diffusion and reaction
Prof. Dr. H. Papp, Dipl.-Chem. P. Poladli (University of Leipzig, Institute of Technical Chemistry)
2004 - 2008

International Postgraduate Programme (IPP) “Research at the Frontiers of Chemistry”
Co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Evamarie Hey-Hawkins (Institute of Inorganic Chemistry)
This title delineates the international doctorate course of study at the University of Leipzig, at the Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy. The doctorate studies, being an International Postgraduate Programme (IPP), are co-financed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Research Council (DFG). The major objectives of the doctorate programme are making the programme more attractive to doctorate students, shortening of the period of doctorate studies and most importantly, internationalising the doctorate programme. All institutes of the Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, as well as the Biotechnological Biomedical Centre, the Institute of Biochemistry and non-academic research establishments take part in the doctorate programme. The scientific profile of the programme is mainly focused on Chemistry-Life Science, Materials Science and Interfaces. However, basic research and environmental topics are additional options.
Period: 01.07.2002 - 31.12.2006

DFG-Grant-group: Architecture of nano- and microdimensional building blocks
Head: Prof. Dr. Grundmann (Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, University of Leipzig)
Project P4: Microstructural transformation of lamellar to cylindric cylindrites and its structure - property relations
Researcher: Prof. Dr. Bente (Institute of Mineralogy, Crystallography and Materials Science) with PD Dr. Wagner
since 01.10.2003

DFG interdisciplinary research project “Interfaces on Oxides”
Co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. I. Mertig (University of Halle-Wittenberg)
Sub-project: X-ray emission spectroscopy of transition metal oxide layers using synchrotron radiation
Researchers: Prof. Dr. R. Szargan, D. Wett, A. Demund (Wilhelm Ostwald Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry)
The aim of the project is to investigate the local electronic structure of epitaxially grown ultrathin multilayers of 3d metal oxides at the interfaces between metals and metal oxides in buried layer structures: charge transfer phenomena, d-d excitation channels, and gap parameters.
Period of funding: July 2000 – December 2007

DFG-project: Diffusion in Zeolites
Speaker: Prof. Dr. J. Kärger (University of Leipzig, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science)
subproject: Transient and equilibrium measurements of Sorption on Zeolites
Co-ordinator: Priv.-Doz. Dr.-Ing. habil. R. Staudt (Institute of Non-classical Chemistry)
The aim of this international research project are investigations of diffusion processes of
n-alkanes in zeolites using different macro-, meso- and microscopic methods like Adsorption/Desorption, Zero Length Column, IR Microscopy, PFG NMR.
start 01.10.2003

EC-Projekt: „Development and Testing of new Standards for Sorption Measurement and Characterisation of Ionic Liquids (S-SCIL)”
Co-ordinator: Priv.-Doz. Dr.-Ing. habil. R. Staudt (Institute of Non-classical Chemistry)
The aim of S-SCIL is the development and testing of new standards to measure the selective sorption for multigas application. This technology, which is not yet available, brings huge advantages for various kinds of chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, food and energy processing. These new standards can be used to characterise the substances which are used to perform the process (porous solids, (nano-)particles, polymers, liquids) concerning their selective behaviour in gas-mixtures as well as to investigate the process itself in terms of temperature, pressure and composition.
start 01.12.2004

INNOWATT: „Development of Sensor Technology for Load Dependent Control of Technical Adsorption Processes”
Co-ordinator: Priv.-Doz. Dr.-Ing. habil. R. Staudt (Institute of Non-classical Chemistry)
The aim of this project is to develop and test a new sensor technique based on impedance spectroscopy, which can measure online the state of adsorbens material in industrial adsorber plants. This information can be used to optimize adsorption and regeneration cycles.
start 01.02.2004

INNOWATT: „Ultrasound assisted electrochemical separation of emulsions”
Co-ordinator: Dr. J. Hofmann (Institute of Non-classical Chemistry)
The aim of this project is to develop a technology to separate the water and organic phase of emulsions. Ultrasound is used to accelerate the electrochemical process. The technology can be used in the metal working industry and in fabrication of blasting agents.
start 01.12.2005

Research projects with grants of the DLR and ISTC concerning solar cells in cooperation with Belarus (Akademy of Science, Minsk)
Prof. Dr. Bente (Institute of Mineralogy, Crystallography and Materials Science)
since 2001

Research projects with grant of DLR concerning nanocrystal studies with synchrotron radiation in cooperation with Novosibirsk (Bereskov Institute of Catalysis)
Institute of Mineralogy, Crystallography and Materials Science
since 01.01.2005

Co-operation and complementarity in research and methodological equipment in the field of mineralogy in higher education
Leipzig-Halle-Jena research collaboration
Marie Curie Actions “Understanding the Dynamics of Cell Division”
Co-ordinator: Dr. Th. Surrey (EMBL Heidelberg)
Prof. Dr. A. Giannis (Institute of Organic Chemistry)
01.01.2005 – 31.12.2008

BMBF-joint research project “Chromatin Modulation: A new approach to therapy of breast cancer
Co-ordinator: Dr. Miriam Rittner (SiChem GmbH)
Prof. Dr. A. Giannis (Institute of Organic Chemistry)
01.01.2005 - 2007

BMBF-joint research project 03 WKM 01: IKON „Pressure change technology for inactivation of microbiologic contaminants“
Co-ordinator: Dr. H.-J. Steiger (IBN Dresden)
Scientific coordinator: Prof. Dr. P. Harting (Centre for Nonclassic Chemistry)
subproject: Physical and chemical aspects of mechanisms and effects on ingredients and active substances
In this project IKON partners from industry and research establishments confederate to develop and realise an innovative technology for reduction of microbial count in liquid foods and pharmaceuticals. This technology should be an alternative to thermal process technologies with the advantage of conservation of natural active substances.
start 01.09.2003

The research findings achieved in 2006 were published in scientific journals (see list of scientific publications), summarised in theses (20 doctoral theses and 3 habilitations; see list of dissertations), and presented at congresses, symposia and colloquia. For more detailed information, see the 2006 Annual Report of the Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy.

Research Priorities

Institute for Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. S. Berger

• Methodological development and application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Development of new pulse sequences including selective pulses for the structural elucidation in organic chemistry
• Mechanistic investigations in the field of physical organic chemistry
• Peptide and Protein structure and protein ligand interaction with NMR methods (Collaboration with research framework SFB-610)
• NMR methods for the investigation of solute solvent interactions. Solvation and Diffusion of organic molecules

PD Dr. F.-M. Matysik

• Methodical developments and applications in the field of capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection with emphasis on the use of nonaqueous media
• Development of new approaches for sample injection into microfluidic systems / high-throughput analysis systems
• Studies of phase optimized liquid chromatography (POPLC)
• Applied studies in the fields of speciation analysis, electroplating processes, analysis of explosives and related compounds

Dr. D. Hofmann

· Sturcture determation of glycosidic metabolites of the plant metabolism

Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

Solid State Chemistry/Materials Science
Prof. Dr. H. Krautscheid

• Synthesis of polynuclear complexes with halogeno-, pseudohalogeno and chalcogeno ligands as intermediates between mononuclear complexes and solid state phases
• Complexes of heavy main group elements
• Molecular chalcogenide compounds as precursors for CuInSe2 and related compounds
• Characterization by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods
• Synthesis and characterization of coordination polymers (Metal Organic Frameworks, MOF) for applications in heterogeneous catalysis

Dr. V. Gottschalch

• The semiconductor chemistry group focuses on epitaxy of AIIIBV- and AIIBVI-semiconductors. The principal focus of our research is metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of semiconductors, plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) of dielectric layers, structural characterisation of epitaxial materials and construction of solar cells, detectors and lasers.

The current research activities are focused on the growth phenomena at miniaturisation limits (growth of monolayer, superlattices and self-ordered structures) and the development of novel MOVPE-precursors. A main task is the test of novel As-, P-, B- and N-precursors with lower toxicity and reduced hazardous potential and growth of various III-V-heterostructures with novel materials (Boron-V-compounds). Semiconductor lasers with monolayers or short period superlattices in the active area were successfully developped.
The current main research interest concerns the growth of nanostructures (nanowires and nanotubes) with various axial and radial heterojunctions based on GaP-, InP- and GaAs-single crystalline materials and the growth behaviour of nanostructures using various precursors.

Organometallic Chemistry/Photochemistry
Prof. Dr. E. Hey-Hawkins

• Inorganic Chemistry, Bioorganometallic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry: Synthesis, reactivity and structural elucidation (IR, VV-Vis, NMR, X-ray crystallography) of organometallic, coordination and main group element compounds; reactions of transition metal complexes with functionalized ligands of group 13 and 15 elements; Alkali and Earth Alkaline phosphanides; Boron compounds; Biologically active carbaboranes for BNCT; Aluminum compounds; (Chiral) phosphorus compounds; Heteronuclear complexes; Homogeneous catalysis; Preparative HPLC for air-sensitive compounds, spectroscopic methods (IR, VV-Vis, NMR) and X-ray crystallography.

Structural Chemistry
Prof. Dr. R. Kirmse

• Synhesis, structural characterization and EPR, ENDOR/ESEEM spectroscopic investigations on paramagnetic Cu(II), Ag(II), Au(II), Re(II), Tc(II), Re(VI), Tc(VI), VO(II) and Fe(III) complexes with S(e) containing chelate ligands and mixed coordination spheres including halides, pseudohalides and phosphanes. Analysis of the bonding properties and the spin-density distribution in combination with molecular orbital calculations.
• Synthesis, structural characterization of paramagnetic “molecular squares” of different size and analysis of the EPR/ENDOR spectra in order to draw conclusions about spin exchange between the paramagnetic centers. Synthesis and characterization of microporous, especially paramagnetic metal ions containing two- and three-dimensional networks (MOFs); testing of their applicability with respect to gas adsorption/desorption and catalysis.

Coordination Chemistry
Prof. Dr. B. Kersting

• Coordination Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry/Nanochemistry
• Molecular Magnetism
• Bioinorganic Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. L. Beyer

• Synthesis and characterization of sulphur containing ligands and their metal complexes
• History of Chemistry; Chemistry and Art

Institute of Mineralogy, Crystallography and Materials Science

Mineralogy/Crystallography
Prof. Dr. K. Bente

• Synthesis and structure (microstructure) – property relations of mineralanalogous semiconductors
• Interdisciplinary studies using 3DX–ray tomography
• Mathematical simulations of solid state segregations in metal sulfides and the evalution of the small cylinders in mixed semiconductors
• In-situ Mößbauer spectroscopy of the transformation of Fe containing mineral phases

Material science/Crystallography
Dr. S. Schorr (in cooperation with Prof. Dr. K. Bente)

• Structural studies of adamantine like multinary chalcogenide semiconductors using neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (including in-situ low and high temperature experiments)
• Investigation of the 2-phase field in mixed chalcogenide semiconductors by neutron and X-ray diffraction
• Investigation of the element distribution (especially electronic similar elements) in chalcopyrite type phases
• Synthesis and characterization of new type magnetic semiconductors

Powder Diffraction
PD Dr. W. Schmitz

• Synthesis and characterization (including in-situ high temperature experiments) of mixed perowskite crystals and other substances

Technical Mineralogy
Prof. Dr. G. Klöss

• Detection and investigation of nanocrystals in natural glasses

Physical Crystallography
Doz. Dr. V. Geist

• Investigation of the constitution and real structure of iron meteorites

Real Structure and Electron Microscopy
PD Dr. G. Wagner

• Characterization of the defect structure of A(III)B(V)- and A(II)B(VI)-semiconductor thin films and nano-structures by electron microscopy (TEM, HRTEM, CBED,TEM-EDS)
• Characterization of multinary chalcogenide thin films, bulk material and determination of the two-phase region for mixed chalcogenide compounds
• Investigation of sulfosalts (in particular cylindrite) by electron microscopy.

Mineralocigal – petrographic Collection
Curator Dr. H.-J. Höbler

• Characterization and cataloging. Assembling of the new collection “Technical mineralogy”
• Characterization of natural and synthetical semiconductor materials using the electron microprobe

Institute of Organic Chemistry

Natural Product Chemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry
Prof. Dr. A. Giannis

• Angiogenesis:
  Benzodiazepines und Piperazinones as RGD-mimetics
  Design and Synthesis of Inhibitors of Methionine-Aminopeptidase-Type 2 (MetAP-2)
• Sphingomyelinase and Apoptosis
  Scyphostatine and Ceramide-analogues as Sphingomyelinasenhibitors
• Cell-Signalling, Receptor-Tyrosine-Kinases (RTKs):
  Development and biological investigation of novell inhibitors of RTKs
• Protein-Lipidation:
  Inhibitors of Proteine-Palmitoyl-Thioesterase (peptidomimetics)
• Inhibitors of the Sialic Acid Biosynthesis:
  Carbohydrate-analogues as inhibitors of Sialic Acid Biosynthesis
• Development of new methods for oxidation, polymer-supported reagents.
• Esthablished assays for biological evaluation:
  Chorioallantois-Membrane-Assay (CAM-Assay)
  Proliferation - and Migration-Assay (HUVEC)
  Cell based "v$3-Assay
  Sphingomyelinase-Assay
  Different RTKs-ELISAs as: VEGFR (flt-4 and KDR) , EGFR, Erb2-R,
  Tie-2, IGF1- R; FGF-R.

Prof. Dr. D. Sicker

• Isolation of 2-oxo-aldonic acids from fermentation solutions and investigations on their use in organic synthesis
• Formation and metabolic changes of benzoxazinoids from plants: their structural elucidation and contributions to the synthesis of plant own allelo chemicals

Organic Chemistry and Heterocyclic Chemistry
Prof. Dr. R. Breinbauer

• synthesis of libraries of heterocycles of high structural and functional diversity
• synthesis of inhibitors of enzymes of the phenazine-biosynthesis pathway
• development of reductivly cleavable linker
• development and improvement of transition metal catalyzed synthetic methods

Prof. Dr. C. Schneider

• Investigation of the silyloxy-Cope rearrangement of aldol products as synthetic method in organic chemistry
• Total synthesis of the microtubuli-stabilizing marine natural product (+)-pelorusid A and investigation of structure-activity relationship with analogues
• Catalytic, enantioselective opening reaction of meso-epoxides for the synthesis of chiral, enantiomerically enriched fine chemicals
• Catalytic, enantioselective opening reaction of meso-aziridines for the synthesis of chiral, enantiomerically enriched fine chemicals
• Aldol-Tishchenko reactions of ketone aldols as enol equivalents for the direct, catalytic and enantioselective synthesis of polyhydroxylated compounds
• Development of novel organocatalytic C-C-bond forming reactions

Prof. Dr. B. Schulze

• Synthesis of heterocyclic systems via sequential processes and ring transformations of heterocyclic compounds. Development of new leads for pharmaceuticals, pesticides and materials
• Heterocycles as building blocks for macrocycles and in oxidation reactions
• S,N-Heteroaromatic cations in oxidation reactions to hydroperoxy-functionalized sultams and sultims as oxygen transfer reagents
• Functionalized N.N`-bisazaheterocycles with sulfonamid structure by oxidation of S,N-heteroaromatic salts
• Stable unsymmetrical substituted nucleophilic singlet-carbenes of S,N-heterocyclic salts

Wilhelm Ostwald Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry I
Prof. Dr. H. Morgner
Research Areas:

• Characterization of the molecular structure of fluid interfaces in equilibrium and as function of time using the methods of surface analytics
• Adsorption of oxygen on metal surfaces and and oxide formation (surface analysis)
• Computer simulation (Molecular Dynamics)
• thermodynamical treatment of interfaces, diffusion beyond Fick's law
• Characterization of interfaces (liquid/gas, liquid/liquid and solid liquid) using interface tension and contact angle measurements
• Thermodynamical characterisation and prediction of the adsorption of fluid multicomponent mixtures at liquid/solid and liquid/gas interfaces
• Experimental and theoretical investigation of the phase behavior in systems of the type: surfactant + water + oil + cosurfactant
• Development of thermodynamical methods for the calculation of interface properties (tension, profiles, segregation)
• Characterization of the catalytic activity and selectivity of zeolithes
• Characterization of the molecular structure of adsorbates in zeolithes
• the synthesis of ordered nanoporous silicas (SBA-15, SBA-16 etc.) and carbons (CMK-3 etc.)
• the application of ordered nanoporous solids in chemical industry
• the adsorption of fluid mixtures on solids
• the calculation of wetting quantities from adsorption data
• Identification of protein modifications as a result of oxidative stress

Methods:

• MIES (Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy) at liquid surfaces, ARUPS/ARXPS: measurement of concentration depth profiles at fluid interfaces
• ICISS und NICISS: concentration depth profiles of specific elements at liquid and polymer surfaces
• Electron spectrometer MAX 100, equipped with XPS, UPS, MIES, ISS, SPA/LEED
• Tensiometry (plate, ring, maximum bubble pressure, spinning drop), contact angle, DSC, viscometry, HPLC, densitometry, polarisation microscopy
• Adsorption volumetry ASAP 2010
• Lab size reactors in combination with gas chromatography
• Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) with coupling to QMS
• FTIR- and NIR-FT-Raman spectrometer (System 2000R) with temperature programmed diffuse reflection (Praying Mantis) (access to instrument)
• Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA-QMS-System 409/403, Netzsch) (access to instrument)
• Reactivity in water/surfactant interfaces, influence on the reactivity
• Computer simulation for modelling of adsorption equilibrium in microporous solids
• the characterization of solid surfaces by means of adsorption, thermo-desorption (SCTA) and microcalorimetry

Dr. G. Kalies

The research on the field of physical interface chemistry focuses on:

• the synthesis of ordered nanoporous silicas (SBA-15, SBA-16 etc.) and carbons (CMK-3 etc.)
• the characterization of solid surfaces by means of adsorption, thermo-desorption (SCTA) and microcalorimetry
• the application of ordered nanoporous solids in chemical industry
• the adsorption of fluid mixtures on solids
• the calculation of wetting quantities from adsorption data
• the thermodynamic modeling of adsorption equilibria.

Physical Chemistry II
Prof. Dr. R. Szargan, Dr. H. Böhlig

Chemical reactivity, electronic and geometrical structure of surfaces of solids:

• Chemical modification and lateral structuring of chalcogenides, AIII BV semiconductors and metals, deposition of molecular adsorbates, oxidation, electrochemical and photon/electron-beam induced reactions
• Exploration of new spectroscopic and microscopic methods: angle- and polarisation-resolved X-ray emission spectroscopy applying synchrotron radiation sources
• Interaction of probe moleculs in zeolites: characterisation of the adsorbat structure on the basis of reflection spectroscopy and GF matrix and quantum chemical calculations

Theoretical Chemistry
Prof. Dr. J. Reinhold, Prof. Dr. F. Dietz, Priv.-Doz. Dr. C. Engler

• Investigation of the electronic and molecular structure and of the stability and reactivity of mono- and polynuclear coordination compounds. Investigation of the mechanism of reactions at transition metal centers. Investigation of the structure, stability and reactivity of adsorbate complexes of molecules at surfaces.
• Strukture, energy spectra and magnetic properties of one-dimensional (1-D stacks) and two-dimensional (adsorbed on graphite) molekular arrays of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with defects and polymethine radikals of Wurster’s and Weitz type.
• Quantumchemical investigations to the formation, the stability, and structural and electronic properties of ternary and quaternary GaBAs-, GaBP-, GaInBAs-, and GaInBP-semiconductor alloys.

Institute of Technical Chemistry
Prof. Dr. H. Papp

• Immobilization of Salen complexes in mesoporous materials
• Templated synthesis of porous carbon materials
• Modification of carbon materials with metal compounds
• Heterogeneously catalyzed transformation of hydrocarbons
• Environmental catalysis – DENOX of waste gases
• Investigation of elementary steps of heterogeneous catalytic processes
• Surfaces analytical investigation of catalysts
• Synthesis and modification of solid catalysts
• Development of a virtual laboratory course in chemical engineering and unit operations

Prof. Dr. W.-D. Einicke

• Synthesis, modification and characterization of mesoporous and microporous adsorbents
• Adsorption and diffusion of gases and liquids in adsorbents
• Microwave induced catalytic combustion

Prof. Dr.-Ing. K.-O. Hinrichsen

• Particle design and particle technology
• Reactor design and process intensification
• Reactive multiphase flow
• Investigation of elementary steps in heterogeneous catalysis
• Modeling in catalysis, chemical reaction and process engineering

Prof. Dr. M. R. Buchmeiser

• Synthesis of transition metal-based photoinitiators controlled (living ) (photo-) polymerization from and to surfaces
• Immobilization of organometallic catalysts, surface modification of meso- and macroporous systems, applications in catalysis (Mo, Ru, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu catalyzed reactions)
• Nano-particle-modified polymerlayers, functional nano-composites with radiation-curable polymers
• New transition metal complexes for living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of functional monomers
• Living cyclopolymerisation of heptadiynes, synthesis of conjugated polymers,
• elektrooptical devices and sensors
• Synthesis of new functional (monolithic) separation media for the analysis of biologically and medically relevant compounds (DNA, proteins, oligonucleotides)
• Synthesis of functional hybrid-polymers by switchable transition metal complexes
• Design, synthesis and evluation of new supported catalytic systems on a molecular base (supported C-C, C-Si, C-N, coupling catalysts)

Interdisciplinary group Time Resolved Spectroscopy
Prof. Dr. O. Brede/Dr. R. Hermann

• Elementary processes of the ionisation and oxidation of organic substances and mechanisms of effects of antioxidants in low-molecular systems and polymers
• Electron transfer processes in polar and non-polar low-molecular solutions.
• Study of oxidative processes in lipids and model membranes.
• Radical reactions in biological model systems (building unites of nucleic acids, amino acids and peptides)
• Methodical advancement of time-resolved spectroscopic methods and measuring procedures.

Chemistry Educators

• Investigation of pupils` scientific reasoning abilities and of possibilities to improve the reasoning competence
• Investigation of pupils` conceptual understanding of chemistry and the effect of experiments to produce conceptual change
• Development and evaluation of an experimental approach for chemistry beginners based on the principles of learning theories
• Development of experimentally based, problem-oriented concepts for chemistry lessons integrating biological principles and methods
• Development and improvement of school experiments

Institute of Non-classical Chemistry

PD Dr. R. Staudt

• Determination of thermodynamic properties under high pressure
• Gas adsorption of pure components and mixtures on microporous solids
• Investigation of properties of gases and supercritical fluids
• Adsorption and desorption of vapors (e.g. hydrocarbons) in porous media like activated carbon or zeolites
• Determination of break through curves in adsorber beds
• Solubility of gases and vapors in polymers
• Characterization of nanoporous materials for industrial application
• Non-thermal preservation by applications of special pressure techniques
• Determination of absolute and relative coking rates in thermal processes as criterion for the characterisation of high-temperature materials, feedstocks and additives
• Investigations of coke formation on catalysts at combustion processes
• Separation of products using pure or modified supercritical fluids
• Investigation of geochemical and environmental processes in natural and anthropogenic influenced spheres
• Identification of Natural Attenuation (NA-) Processes in fluids of lignite mining dumps
• Source identification of pollutants by combination of chemical and stable isotope analysis
• Investigations of isotope variations of the light elements as natural tracers
• Degradation of pollutants in ground water by catalytic oxidation and catalytic oxidation combined with microbiology
• Stimulation of chemical reactions using microwave and ultrasound
• Development of analytical methods for determination of harmful substances in used wood, soil and contaminated water
• Development of new analytical methods and techniques for derivatisation for characterisation valuable substances in natural material and drugs
• Degradation of pollutants in high contaminated waste water by wet oxidation treatment
• Investigations of adsorptive removal of pollutants in contaminated water
• Extraction and characterisation of secondary metabolites from biological matrices
• Increase of efficiency and permeat flow of membrane systems by using of impulse units
• Development of an adsorption unit for decalcification of water
• Splitting of biogas into carbon dioxide and methane by absorption technologies

Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine/Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. R. Hoffmann

• Mass spectrometrical techniques to analyze posttranslational modifications in peptides and proteins
• Characterization of the phosphorylation pattern of human and bovine Tau
• Characterization of hydroxylated proline and lysine residues in collagens
• Analysis of non-abundant proteins in serum
• Synthesis and analysis of glycated peptides and proteins
• Development of antimicrobial active peptides with respect to protease stability
• Novel luminescence dyes to detect and to quantify proteins
• Identification of protein modifications as a result of oxidative stress

Prof. Dr. N. Sträter

• Structural analysis of biological macromolecules by single crystal X-ray diffraction
• Catalytic mechanisms of metalloenzymes
• Structural biology of extracellular signaling via nucleotides
• Domain motion and enzyme function
• Structure determination of pharmacologically and biotechnologically relevant proteins

Dr. A. Sinz

• Study protein-protein interactions by chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS)
• High-resolution mass spectrometry for analyzing complex protein mixtures
• Mass spectrometric analysis of post-translational modifications in proteins