Site: Universität des Saarlandes
(Saarland University, Department of Technical Physics)
D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
Tel: (49) 681-302 5173; Fax: (49) 681-302 5222
http://www.uni-sb.de/

Date Visited: 13 October 1997

WTEC: J. Mendel (report author)

Hosts:

• Prof. Dr. Rainer Birringer, Physics, Principal Contact http://www.uni-sb.de/matfak/fb10/birringer
• Prof. R. Humleman, Physical Chemistry
• Prof. R. Houbertz, Characterization
• Prof. Veitz, Chemistry
• Prof. Hufner, Chemistry
• Prof. Beck, Chemistry

BACKGROUND

The University of the Saarland has a strong focus on nanotechnology. Of particular interest are the following areas of investigation within the Department of Technical Physics:

1. Inert gas condensation processes to produce nanostructured powders
2. Determination of grain size distribution in nanomaterials from X-ray diffraction profile analysis
3. Nanocrystalline metals and oxides by reverse microemulsions
4. Nanocrystalline metals and oxides with pulsed electrodeposition
5. Characteristics of one-dimensional tunnel junction arrangements
6. Size control synthesis of BaTIO₃ by sol-gel hydrolysis
7. Nanocrystalline copper by pulsed electrodeposition
8. Muon diffusion in nanocrystalline copper
9. Growth kinetics of nanocrystalline CuTi
10. Implantation of ions on the surface initiation of reactions with metal alkoxides
11. Characterization of nanoparticle surfaces
12. Use of photoelectron microscopy for resolving surfaces
13. Ultrasonic energy for creating nanoparticles

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

The inert gas condensation method has been optimized by using an aerosol flow condenser. Characterization of product resulted in an 80% reduction in the primary particle mean diameter and 17% reduction in geometric standard deviation. Flow conditions also determined the primary particle diameter and the geometric standard deviation.

There is considerable investigation on the synthesis of nanocrystalline metal oxides and the formation of NH₄MnF₃ by microemulsion techniques. Size and distribution of the primary reverse micelles were determined by dynamic light scattering.

An analytical approach is now available for determining the Coulomb blockade and single electron tunneling phenomena for arbitrary tunnel junctions coupled in series.

Size controlled synthesis of nanocrystalline BaTiO₃ by a sol-gel type hydrolysis is currently under study in a microemulsion nanoreactor.

EQUIPMENT

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The synthesis and properties of nanocrystalline materials include researching metals, metal oxides and nanocomposites. Preparation methods are by inert gas condensation and ball milling. Specific properties of interest are catalytic, sensor, magnetic and mechanical attributes. Such work is providing increased understanding and capability in the investigation of nanoscale science and technology at the University of the Saarland.