Which research topics are you focused on in your working group?

The main focus of my team is the investigation of ternary, d metal-rich intermetallic phases with layer or chain structures. The goal is to find and characterize new superconducting materials. Therefor an alkali or earth alkali metal reacts with a d metal and a main group metal or a semimetal. It’s important to notice that the main group metal and the semimetal should preferably build a polyanionic network with the alkali/ earth alkali metals in between.

How is the schedule and content of a research internship designed at your working group?

The laboratory work is considered to take about 4 weeks which can be done all at once during the semester break or it can be stretched out over the semester. This is up to the intern to decide which way they prefer it. After signing off from the internship the interns have an estimated amount of 6 weeks to write their report.

Which synthetical methods are used for the respective topics?

The methods are classic solid-state syntheses using an arc or induction furnace or a ball mill. In addition to that flux syntheses are sometimes used in which a metal with a low melting point functions as the solvent. It dissolves the reacting elements (or even reacts itself) and the product can then be separated through a built-in sieve. To analyze the phase and the structure powder diffractograms or single-crystal measurements are conducted. DTA measurements are also made.

Is a progress/final talk about the research internship planned?

No, it’s not. Only with the master thesis.

With which working groups are overlapping topics possible?

It is possible to work together with Prof. Fässler’s group. Another option is to work with Prof. Nilges‚ group regarding the analyses.

How and in what way can one apply for a research internship at your working group?

If a student is interested, then they can either write me an email or come to me in person.
Sometimes students are also passed on to me through Prof. Fässler.

What kind of previous knowledge is required for a research internship at your working group?

Regarding the solid-state syntheses and the analyses, it would be useful to have undertaken the XRD laboratory course. But it is not an obligation.

Can a research intership be expanded to a master’s thesis?

The applied working methods in the internship will be used further on. But the research topic can only be expanded, if it fitting.

How much cake does your chair expect?

We don’t expect a cake, but everyone’s happy, if we get one.