Technische Universität München
Lehrstuhl für Elektronenmikroskopie mit Forschungsschwerpunkt Energiematerialien (Prof. Willinger)
Lichtenbergstr. 4
85748 Garching b. München
Electron Microscopy with research emphasis on Energy Materials
Our aim is to understand the structure-properties correlation of materials on the basis of direct atomic scale observation.
Using methods of in-situ and operando electron microscopy, we are able to move beyond the analysis of thermodynamically isolated systems in vacuum and thus, to observe how materials behave under the influence of a defined physical or chemical stimuli. We relate structural and chemical dynamics with the emergence of catalytic function, and study processes that are relevant for energy storage and conversion. Since atomistic processes can lead to complex dynamics at larger scale, we combine local observation by in-situ transmission electron microscopy with in-situ scanning electron microscopy.
This multi-scale approach enables context embedded studies of collective behaviour, such as the formation of dissipative structures (top right figure), or oscillatory red-ox dynamics (bottom right) that can only be observed under reaction conditions (see research overview).
International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials
Abstract: The nucleation of various MoO2 starting materials was investigated on a laboratory scale during the second reduction step from MoO2 to Mo of the two-step reduction process from MoO3 to Mo. It was…
Nature Communications
Abstract: Active catalysts are typically metastable, and their surface state depends on the gas-phase chemical potential and reaction kinetics. To gain relevant insights into structure-performance…
Acta Biomaterialia
Abstract: The mechanism of nacre formation in gastropods involves a vesicular system that transports organic and mineral precursors from the mantle epithelium to the mineralization chamber. Between them lies…
Nature Communications
Abstract: Correction to: Nature Communicationshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57418-0, published online 27 February 2025 In the version of the article initially published, Fig. 5 contained a plotting error.…
Journal of the Electrochemical Society
Abstract: The carbon support structure strongly contributes to the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). It is well known that the porous structure of high surface area carbons can…
Materials and Design
Abstract: The transformation kinetics of metastable phases into more stable phases with simultaneous variation of the phase composition is studied in metallic systems using the binary Au72Ge28 eutectic alloy as…
Environmental Science and Technology
Abstract: The reversible carbonation of magnesium oxide represents a promising route for efficient CO2 capture and storage. The uptake capacity can be significantly enhanced by the presence of molten alkali…
Materials Today Advances
Abstract: We designed an experimental setup that combines Fast Differential Scanning Calorimetry (FDSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to enable correlative investigations of structural changes and…
Small Methods
Abstract: Additive microfabrication processes based on localized electroplating enable the one-step deposition of micro-scale metal structures with outstanding performance, e.g., high electrical conductivity…
Energy and Fuels
Abstract: The influence of nanostructures and interaction of Sn and Ir in oxygen evolution catalysts in a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer were investigated. For this aim, two synthesis methods,…
