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University of Kiel The Faculties Faculty of Mathematics and
Natural Sciences Organizations Institute of Geosciences Crystallography
Research Profile The Team Projects Publications
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 | | Structure – Property relationships — That's why a small leak will sink a great ship... Crystallography deals with the general principles of structure–formation of matter — in particular, traditionally, crystallised matter is in the focus of interest. Typically, the probed length scales are between ~ 10-12 and 10-6 m. Crystallographers attempt to correlate structure forming processes with chemical composition ("Crystal Chemistry") or to understand them in dependence on intensive variables, such as pressure or temperature ("Mineral Physics"). The, gererally direction–dependent, macroscopic physical properties of crystalline matter are related to its atomic structure. These properties, and the dynamics of structures (co–operative and individual) are investigated, too. |
 | | Crystals — not only in Rocks, but in Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacy ...In the focus of research are mainly, but not exclusively, crystalline materials of geoscientific relevance, i.e., minerals. Understanding their structures, which are based on fundamental principles, is vital for a natural–scientific approach to Earth. As Crystallography also investigates other materials and systems, it is intimately connected with Physics, Chemistry and Material Sciences. |
Main Research Areas:
Research in the group "Crystallography – Mineralogy" aims at understanding the assembly of solid matter on a microscopic length scale. This knowledge is essential for obtaining reliable, quantitative information about the behaviour of bigger units made up from these materials. Secondly we aim at preparing new geo-materials, inspired by nature, characterising them and investigating their potentially exploitable properties. One important goal is to extend these investigations into the nanometer scale, not least to comply with society's growing demand for nanotechnology.
Methodically, we combine theoretical and practical approaches. Regarding experimental techniques, traditionally diffraction methods play a key role. X-ray and electron diffraction experiments can be performed in-house, whereas synchrotron radiation or neutrons are only available at several national and international central facilities.
 | | A very important research area for our group is the investigation of natural minerals and other solid materials under High Pressure Conditions. Our in-house instrumentation allows for the generation of hydrostatic pressures up to 20 GPa (200 kbar). High pressure experiments are accompanied by theoretical work, particularly in the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT). Our department was the first in Germany to establish a group "Computational Mineralogy". Its former leader, B. Winkler, remained our preferred cooperation partner for DFT calculations after he was raised Chair in Crystallography at the University of Frankfurt. |
Investigations of layer structures continue to play an important role in our group, not least in the framework project "Chalkogenide Layer Structures" which we initiated and coordinated for a significant period of time. Intercalation, Polytypism, High Pressure Behaviour are some keywords underlining our interest in these materials. Many theoretical aspects in this context are based on phenomenologic approaches. Here, we rely on our intensive cooperation with P. Tolédano (France). | |  |
 | | Microporous Structures have been in the focus of our interest for a considerable time. Their nanoscopic voides lend them manifold academic and commercial importance. Based on our recent result that so–called Anti-Loewenstein-Structures exist, exhibiting a virtually arbitrary Al:Si–ratio, we intend to synthesise and characterise Al-rich Zeolites. |
A scientific area with close cooperation between us and Microbiology, is the investigation of crystallographic aspects of microbial etching of mineral surfaces. The observed, up to μm large structures let us hope to be able -via a directed manipulation of conditions - to tailor desired patterns suited for applications in nanotechnology. | |  |
Our nature-inspired work on "Nano-Uranium-compounds" is also related to nanotechnology. This work is perfomed in close collaboration with the Institutes of Mineralogy and Crystallography at the State University of St. Petersburg, Russia. Additionally, scientists from Moscow, Austria, Switzerland and the United States of America are involved in this international cooperation.
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