Surfaces and Nanochemistry Laboratory
Head of laboratory: Prof. Dr. Michael Dürr
Assistant: Ilka Kunert
Contents
Surface characteristics are often determined by only a few surface atoms or molecules. As well as their chemical composition, their geometrical struture is also an essential determinant of surface properties.
In the Surfaces and Nanochemistry Laboratory, the neccessary apparatus is available for the preparation and characterisation of specific surface layers. Here, the focus is on the chemical and structural modification of surfaces on the nano-scale. The aim of the practical is to demonstrate to students the interrelationships between the chemistry, structure and functions of surfaces. This is made clear using an example from the laboratory teaching session on Thin Layer Systems and Nanostructures.
During the silanisation of SiO2 surfaces, a molecular film of alkoxylsilane molecules is applied to the surface. The type of configuration and thus the quality of the film can be controlled via the reaction parameters; these are monitored by contact angle measurements. By means of additional structural modifications to the surface using nanoparticles, the contact angle of the same silanisation compared to the smooth surface can be additionally improved.
Further experiments are concerned with, for example:
- thiolisation
- superhydrophobic layers
- antireflex caotings
- photocatalytic layers
- TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles and their applications
- gold nanoparticles
The following experimental methods are used:
- dip coating
- spin coating
- screen printing
- hydrothermic synthesis
- UV vs spectrometry
- contact angle measurements
The research activities in the Surfaces and Nanochemistry Laboratory include:
- wave-length converting coatings for photodetectors
- investigations of superhydrophobic surfaces
Kontaktadresse
Hochschule Esslingen
Angewandte Naturwissenschaften
Kanalstr. 33
73728 Esslingen
Telefon +49(0)711.397-35 01
Telefax +49(0)711.397-35 02
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