Solid State Chemistry

                                                                                                

                   Welcome to the Solid State Chemistry Group!

 

  

 

                                                                   Who are we?

We are part of the  Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (formerly Materials Science Centre), one of the Research Institutes at the University of Groningen. Within the University structure, we belong to the Chemical Physics Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

  

     We investigate the synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic properties of compounds with interesting physical phenomena. We are in particular interested in electrical conduction and dielectric properties of transition metal oxides, and of molecular organic conductors. Both classes of materials not only display a wealth of exciting properties, such as superconductivity, magnetism and ferroelectricity, but are also of relevance for electronic applications. 

     Our interest in these materials arises in part because of the sensitive dependence of their properties on composition and thermodynamic variables. This often leads to complex phase diagrams, in which the spin, orbital, charge and displacive degrees of freedom are strongly interacting. This sensitive dependence of the physical properties leads to the possibility to switch between various ordered phases, which is of prime interest for fundamental studies, but can also be applied in devices.

 

      The research is organized along three complementary lines:

  · Solid State Chemistry, directed by Prof. T.T.M. Palstra  (group leader)

  · Theory, under the direction of Prof. R. de Groot

  · Nanostructures of functional oxides, under the direction of Prof. B. Noheda

 

     Our group is highly diverse, composed by physicists, chemists, material scientists and crystallographers, sharing views and experience.

 

     We offer various exciting projects for your undergraduate research and Master thesis