Multiphase Chemistry Department

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Pöschl, Director

Multiphase chemistry deals with chemical reactions, transport processes and transformations between solids, liquids and gases. These processes are important for Earth system science and climate research as well as for life, health, and materials sciences.

In Earth system science and climate research, the focus of our department is on studying heterogeneous chemical reactions at the atmosphere-biosphere interface and related environmental processes. Concerning life and health sciences, we investigate how air pollutants generate oxidative stress and modify protein macromolecules, and how this affects inflammatory and allergic diseases. In the field of materials research, we investigate the interplay of phase changes, material properties, and heterogeneous chemical reactions.

We aim to elucidate the course of multiphase processes at the molecular level and their impact at macroscopic and global scales. The challenge will be bridging the different spatial and temporal scales: from the tenths of a nanometer to thousands of kilometers and from nanoseconds to years. Overarching themes of our research are air quality, climate, and health in the Anthropocene (YouTube Presentation).

Research Themes:

• Aerosol Analysis & Microscopy (C. Pöhlker et al.)
• Biomolecular Analyses & Interactions (J. Fröhlich et al.)
• Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Mechanisms (T. Berkemeier et al.)
• Organic Pollutants & Exposure (G. Lammel et al.)
• Multiphase Analytics (F. Drewnick et al.)
• Aerosol Surface Emissions and Transport (F. Fachinger et al.)
• High Pressure Chemistry & Physics (V. Minkov et al.)
• Superconductivity (V. Ksenofontov et al.)

Department Pictures

             ©  Andrew Crozier (banner picture above)