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The Structure Analysis division conducts research into and develops advanced materials at the interface between synthesis, structural elucidation and functional characterisation. The focus is on sustainable material concepts, mechanochemical and automated synthesis routes, as well as analytical methods for investigating structure, function and reaction behaviour under real-world conditions.
A particular emphasis is placed on combining experimental materials development with high-resolution analytics. These include X-ray methods, solid-state NMR, synchrotron techniques (spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering), mass spectrometry, porosity analysis and transmission electron microscopy, which enable materials to be precisely characterised across various spatial and temporal scales.
The research covers both fundamental questions of structural and reaction analysis of various material classes, such as biological, organic and organometallic (coordination) polymers (COFs, MOFs), inorganic materials (e.g. phosphates and sulphates), various co-crystal systems, as well as their potential applications. These include, amongst others, PFAS adsorption, photocatalytic decomposition of water pollutants, applications in energy storage and conversion (electrocatalytic synthesis and proton conductors), and circular economy with regard to gypsum recycling.
EU-MACE Legacy Labs and Legacy Labs 2: The EU-MACE (European Materials Acceleration Center for Energy) Legacy Lab initiative (Action CA22123) connects traditional ("legacy") materials research laboratories with advanced Material Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) to accelerate the development of sustainable energy materials. It integrates digitalization and autonomous tools into existing infrastructures to bridge the gap between traditional research and high-throughput, AI-driven discovery.
further information
Fields of expertise
Quantitative analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns using the Rietveld method and pair distribution function analysis
Determination and refinement of crystal structures
Small-angle X-ray scattering and diffraction using synchrotron radiation, in situ and ex situ
Synchrotron XRF, micro-XRF, total reflection XRF, double-dispersive XRF, on-the-fly XRF, standard XAFS, micro-XAFS, dispersive XAFS, grazing-exit XRF and XAFS
Development of optimisation tools through digital twin-supported workflows
Surface and pore analysis of porous solids and nanomaterials
Characterisation of polymers and copolymers in terms of size, average molecular weight, size and molecular weight distribution, end groups and chemical heterogeneity
Development of sample environments for in situ and in operando investigations, as well as for automated synthesis in liquids and for mechanochemistry
Main activities
In-situ investigation of crystallisation processes and syntheses to elucidate kinetics and mechanisms
Mechanochemistry as a green synthesis method
Ab initio structure determination from X-ray powder data
Synchrotron-based, spatially and temporally resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis
Operando NMR for energy storage materials and diffusion measurements using PFG-NMR
Optimisation methods using machine learning
Chromatographic separation of polymers and copolymers based on chemical heterogeneity
Characterisation using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques
MALDI-TOF imaging and development of certified reference materials for gas adsorption and mercury porosimetry
Proton conductivity measurements using impedance spectroscopy
Modelling and interpretation of small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering datasets (SAXS/WAXS)
Range of services/technical equipment
Single-crystal and powder diffraction
Particle size distribution analysis (PDF)
MALDI and ESI-TOF mass spectrometry
Molecular weight and functionality determination by LC
Determination of specific surface area – BET method (DIN ISO 9277)
Mesopore and micropore analysis by gas adsorption (DIN 66134, 66135, ISO 15901-2, ISO 15901-3)
Mercury intrusion porosimetry, mesopore and macropore analysis (DIN ISO 15901-1)
Solid-state NMR spectrometry
Characterisation of nanoscale structures using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry
Laboratory for the ‘Materials Acceleration Platform’ (MAPs), which enables automated synthesis with ML-supported results.
Spectoroscopy@BAMline for elemental and chemical speciation
Publications of the division
In the database PUBLICA you will find publications by BAM employees.
