Electronic Material Properties - und Geowissenschaften ...

Surface Science
The surface science division of the institute of materials science uses advanced surface
science techniques to investigate surfaces and interfaces of materials and materials
combinations of technological use. For this purpose integrated UHV-systems have been
built up which combine different surface analytical tools (photoemission, electron
diffraction, ion scattering, scanning probe techniques) with the preparation of thin films
(thermal evaporation, close-spaced sublimation, magnetron sputtering, MOCVD) and
interfaces. The main research interest is directed to devices using polycrystalline
compound semiconductors and interfaces between dissimilar materials. The perspectives
of energy conversion (e.g. solar cells) or storage (intercalation batteries) devices are of
special interest. In addition, the fundamental processes involved in chemical and
electrochemical device engineering and oxide thin films for electronic applications are
investigated.
The main research areas are:
• Electrochemical Interfaces
The aim of this research activity is the better understanding of electrochemical
interfaces and contact formation. In addition, empirically derived (electro-) chemical
processing steps as the controlled modification and structuring of materials is
investigated and further optimized. In the center of our interest are
semiconductor/electrolyte contacts
• Intercalation Batteries
The aim of this research activity is the better understanding of electronic properties of
Li-intercalation batteries and of their degradation phenomena. Typically all solid state
batteries are prepared and investigated using sputtering and CVD techniques for
cathodes and solid electrolytes. In addition, the solid-electrolyte interface and
synthetic surface layers are investigated as well as composite systems for increasing
the capacity.
• Thin film solar cells
The aim of this research activity is the testing and development of novel materials
and materials combinations for photovoltaic applications. In addition, the interfaces in
microcrystalline thin film solar cells are to be characterized on a microscopic level to
understand and to further improve the empirically based optimisation of solar cells.
• Organic-inorganic interfaces and composites
In this research area we are aiming at the development of composites marterials for
(opto-)electronic applications. The decisive factors, which govern the electronic
properties of interfaces between organic and inorganic materials are studied.
• Oxide thin films for electronic applications
The aim of this research area is to understand electronic surface and interfaces
properties of oxides. We are mainly interested in transparent conducting oxide
electrodes for solar cells and organic LEDs but also in dielectric and ferroelectric
perovskites.
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