Technische Universität München
Lehrstuhl für Physikalische Chemie (Prof. Heiz)
Lichtenbergstr. 4
85748 Garching b. München
Cluster Catalysis and Advanced Spectroscopy
We explore the emergence of new properties of cluster-assembled materials in the non-scalable size regime. With their unique properties often based on quantum size effects, they pave the way towards a plethora of new applications in catalysis and energy conversion.
Our strategy is the assessment of physical and chemical properties in different environments – e.g. from ultra-high vacuum to ambient pressure or non-chiral to chiral environments. We research atomically precise matter with integral and local techniques, including spectroscopy and microscopy. For this purpose, we develop and advance sophisticated methodologies, as well (see research overview).
Applied Catalysis A: General
Abstract: TiO2 is one of the most studied photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. As decoration with a metal co-catalyst is essential for catalytic formation of hydrogen, there is an ongoing search for low-cost…
ChemPhysChem
Abstract: The emission control of harmful compounds and greenhouse gases and the development of alternative, sustainable fuel sources is a major focus in current research. A solution for this problem lies in…
ACS Catalysis
Abstract: The photoelectrochemical hydrogen peroxide evolution reaction (HPER) has attracted increasing attention as an environmentally friendly approach to generate a commercially and industrially valuable…
ACS Catalysis
Abstract: The role of defects is controversially discussed in photocatalysis. Commonly, they are seen as trap states for photon-generated charge carriers, which either promote charge separation and enhance the…
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Abstract: The oxidation state is a fundamental chemical concept commonly employed to rationalize, classify, and predict the chemical reactivity of a variety of compounds. Understanding and defining the…
ACS Catalysis
Abstract: Despite intense research in heterogeneous photocatalysis, a lack of mechanistic understanding still hinders the rational design of efficient photocatalysts to make them competitive with thermal…
Surfaces and Interfaces
Abstract: This study investigates the interaction between Ta and Pt by following the evolution of Ta atoms upon their evaporation in sub-monolayer quantities (∼2 % ML) on a Pt(111) single crystal in vacuo at 40…
Surface Science
Abstract: Surfaces and interfaces of functional nanoscale materials are typically highly dynamic when employed at elevated temperatures. Both, lateral surface and vertical bulk exchange diffusion processes set…
ACS Catalysis
Abstract: Ceria has recently regained attention in catalysis research, thanks to its ability to reversibly form and redisperse supported, catalytically active Pt clusters through control of its surface…
Chemistry - A European Journal
Abstract: The activation of methane under mild conditions is a challenging but rewarding goal; the underlying key parameters, however, remain elusive. In this study on isolated tantalum Ta2+ compounds exposed…
