Colloid Chemistry

In the nitrite-to-ammonia reaction, carbon steps out of its role as the unsung sidekick and outperforms the supposed metal heroes. The study by Mateusz Odziomek and his team shows that metals can even turn into villains by poisoning the catalyst—unless they keep some distance and run with carbon in a well-timed relay. more

The SunThesis Group led by Dr. Christian M. Pelicano added a pinch of ammonium salt to the known photocatalyst KPHI for greener hydrogen peroxide production. This tweak reshapes the crystals, creates helpful defects, deepens visible-light absorption, and boosts performance at lower synthesis temperatures—pointing toward scalable, sunlight-driven reactors that can make hydrogen peroxide locally and on demand. more

The start-up Humify has developed a technology that can reactivate soil as a carbon sink – a potential climate saver. more

Thanks to a collaboration agreement with battery manufacturer Gelion and with Markus Antonietti acting as an advisor, nanomaterials developed in the Department of Colloid Chemistry are now being used to produce longer-lasting sodium-sulfur batteries. more

With a prestigious Max Planck Fellowship (2025–2028), microbiologist Gabriele Berg from the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) is launching a research collaboration with Markus Antonietti. Together, they’re developing a solution to soil exhaustion and infertility: a custom-made soil created in the lab from plant residues, enriched with carefully selected microorganisms.
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