Mesocrystals: Formation, structure and properties (B01)

• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268730352

The main focus of this project is a detailed structural, kinetic/morphogenetic, and property characterization of mesocrystals, which are formed by controlled self-assembly of anisotropic nanocrystals with mutual crystallographic orientation. We will further elaborate synthesis conditions for mesocrystals based on different types of nanoparticles, particularly with a functionalization by ‘photo- and thermally switchable’ capping molecules, which potentially allow to reversibly switch the mesocrysal structure by an external stimulus. We seek to understand the morphogenesis and composition-structure –properties relationship of this new type of mesocrystals. In terms of properties, the electronic behavior of mesocrystal assemblies and a switching of their electronic functionality will be pursued.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1214: Anisotropic Particles as Building Blocks: Tailoring Shape, Interactions and Structures
• Applicant Institution: Universität Konstanz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Helmut Cölfen (†); Professor Lukas Schmidt-Mende, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Elena Sturm, until 6/2020