Recent Highlights showcases scientific achievements, research breakthroughs, awards, collaborations, outreach activities, and community events from across the Institute for Materials Chemistry. Together, these stories reflect the people, discoveries, and partnerships that shape materials research at IFW Dresden.
How are ultra-thin functional coatings produced in modern materials research? Visitors to the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) can discover the answer at the popular SpinBike station during the Dresden Science Night. Inspired by the scientific technique of spin coating, this interactive exhibit transforms a key laboratory process into a colourful hands-on experience that combines science, creativity, and experimentation.
"In our laboratory, we use spin coating to produce thin layers," explains Dr. Fabian Paulus. "A liquid coating is applied to a substrate, which is then rotated at several thousand revolutions per minute. Centrifugal forces spread the liquid evenly across the surface while the solvent evaporates, eventually forming a uniformly thin solid film." Such coatings, often only nanometres to micrometres thick, play an important role in materials and surface research as well as in modern microelectronics.
The SpinBike installation demonstrates the same underlying principle in a way that visitors can experience directly. Colourful paints are deposited onto a rotating surface, where centrifugal forces create striking patterns and circular structures. While the exhibit does not reproduce the extreme rotational speeds or ultra-thin films used in research laboratories, it illustrates the fundamental physics behind the process in a visually engaging manner.
"As the film becomes thinner during spinning, colourful optical effects can occur when light interacts with the coating," says Dr. Paulus from the IMC group Sustainable Nanomaterials. The SpinBike is inspired by these fascinating phenomena and allows visitors to experience some of the beauty associated with spin-coated films for themselves." The resulting artworks provide a memorable connection between scientific research and creative exploration.
For many years, the SpinBike has been a popular feature of IFW Dresden's contribution to the Dresden Science Night. By linking a genuine materials-science technique with an interactive activity, it offers visitors of all ages an accessible introduction to thin-film technologies and demonstrates how fundamental research can inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
On 26 June 2026, the Dresden Science Night will take place for the 23rd time. From 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., IMC and IFW Dresden will once again open their doors to curious visitors, inviting them to explore the fascinating world of chemistry, materials research, and innovation through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiments.
Link: Program of LNdW DD at IFW
(copyright to all pictures above - despite the LNDW logo of 2026 - are from Dr. Fabian Paulus from IMC/IFW from the SpinkBike Station over the last years)
The Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) is contributing its expertise in advanced materials research to the newly established research network Integrated Security and Sustainability (I2SN). Together with partners from Fraunhofer FKIE and Fraunhofer IKTS, the network aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research and innovation in the fields of security, resilience, and sustainability across Saxony.
Within I2SN, three complementary areas of expertise are brought together: materials research, energy technologies, and cyber and information technologies. As part of the materials research pillar, IMC and IFW Dresden contribute their knowledge in the design, development, and characterization of advanced materials for future technologies.
Particular focus is placed on the Joint Labs Personal and Vehicle Protection and Trustworthy Electronics, where researchers collaborate across institutional boundaries to develop innovative material solutions and strengthen resilient and secure value chains. Through close cooperation with academic, industrial, and public-sector partners, the network seeks to accelerate the transfer of scientific discoveries into practical applications.
By combining expertise across disciplines, I2SN creates new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while contributing to the long-term strengthening of Saxony as a leading research and technology hub.
LINKS: I2SN.de - Pressemitteilung des IFW - hartpunkt Artikel
Anitta Jose is currently a PhD student at IFW Dresden and has been working here since October 2022 in the Chemistry of Functional Materials group at the IMC Institute, under the supervision of Dr. Annett Gebert. Her research focuses on the electrochemical synthesis of nanoporous gold nanomaterials for sensing and catalysis applications, with an emphasis on characterizing their structure and functional properties.
She decided to submit this SEM image because this is the first time an SEM image with a Christmas-themed motif has been created and used for an IFW Christmas greeting card. She found this a nice opportunity to share not only the festive aspect of the image, but also to make visible the fascinating porous, dendritic structures that can be produced through electrochemical methods. The image highlights the potential of electrochemistry to synthesize complex material architectures that are central to materials research but often remain unseen.
The picture has won the competition and convinced the jury.
A major advance in thin-film technology has been achieved by researchers at the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC), part of the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden). A team led by Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi and doctoral researcher Florian Preischel from the Molecules to Materials research group has developed a novel, non-pyrophoric magnesium precursor that enables the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of high-quality magnesium oxide (MgO) films at record-low temperatures — between 30 °C and 260 °C.
This breakthrough overcomes a key limitation in ALD: the need for high-temperature processing, which restricts applications on heat-sensitive substrates like polymer foils and flexible electronics. The new precursor combines high volatility, thermal stability, and strong reactivity — without the safety risks of earlier compounds.
The work, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), marks a critical step toward industrial scalability and real-world deployment. The findings open new pathways for MgO in protective coatings, biomedical implants, magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), and next-generation MRAM memory devices.
Florian Preischel was recognized for this work with the prestigious Dr. Tuomo Suntola Prize at the 2024 International ALD/ALE Conference in Helsinki.
Original Publication:
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 35, 31764–31778
Link:
From 11–13 August 2025, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scientists, and senior researchers of the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) gathered at the conference venue Alte Schule in Krippen for the annual IMC+ PhD Retreat. Over the course of two and a half days, participants engaged in scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussions, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen connections across the institute.
The retreat began on Monday morning with the introduction of this year's Team Challenge. Participants were presented with the challenge topics, followed by short pitch talks, team formation, and the first group meetings. The Team Challenge is designed to encourage researchers from different backgrounds to work together on creative solutions and new scientific concepts beyond the boundaries of their individual research fields.
The second session of the day focused on welcoming new colleagues to the institute and featured presentations by IMC doctoral researchers. These talks provided insights into ongoing projects and emerging research directions across the institute. The day concluded with a shared dinner and an evening leisure programme, including a lively pub quiz that offered participants an opportunity to continue discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday began with another session of presentations by PhD students, highlighting the breadth of research activities within IMC. Following lunch, senior researchers introduced their own research topics and discussed opportunities for future collaborations across groups and disciplines. In the afternoon, teams reconvened for the second Team Challenge meeting to further develop their ideas and prepare their final presentations.
After the afternoon coffee break, participants set out on a scenic 5-kilometre hike to the Bergwirtschaft Papststein. The excursion through the surrounding landscape provided an excellent opportunity for informal discussions and networking outside the conference setting.
The final day started with a third scientific session featuring presentations by senior researchers. Following the coffee break, the Team Challenge teams presented their concepts and results to the audience. The presentations demonstrated the creativity and interdisciplinary thinking that had developed throughout the retreat and sparked lively discussions among participants.
The retreat concluded with the evaluation of the Team Challenge contributions and an award ceremony recognizing the most innovative and convincing team concepts. After a final lunch together, participants returned to Dresden with new scientific insights, fresh ideas for collaboration, and strengthened connections across the institute.
The IMC+ PhD Retreat 2025 once again highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary exchange and community building, fostering an environment in which scientific excellence and collaborative thinking can thrive.
The Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) once again proved to be a beacon of scientific curiosity and public engagement at this year’s Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (LNDWDD), transforming the IFW Dresden campus into a vibrant hub of discovery. With a carefully curated lineup of hands-on stations, immersive demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes lab access, the IMC brought materials science to life for families, students, and science enthusiasts of all ages.
At the heart of the evening was the SpinBike, a playful yet scientifically grounded installation led by Dr. Fabian Paulus. Visitors of all ages created swirling, colorful spin paintings — a direct nod to the lab’s use of spin coating to produce ultra-thin functional layers. The outdoor station became a magnet for laughter, creativity, and awe, perfectly illustrating how fundamental processes in materials research can inspire everyday wonder.
Equally captivating was the “Structures of the Future” station, part of the JUNIORDOKTOR program, where participants designed and tested their own metamaterial bridges in a virtual load simulator. Led by Philipp Grimm and Nicole Geißler, the station offered a dynamic introduction to the mechanics of advanced materials — revealing how engineered structures can behave in ways that defy intuition. The interactive challenge sparked deep discussions on innovation, resilience, and the future of smart materials.
For those seeking deeper insight, the guided lab tours offered an exclusive look into the cutting edge of materials research. Led by Dr.Thomas Gemming, the tours took small groups through transmission electron microscopy labs and the “Superpuddles Lab,” where novel quantum materials are synthesized. With real scientists on hand, visitors gained rare access to the tools and ideas shaping tomorrow’s technologies — all while learning about the role of precision, process control, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The evening also featured a dynamic science show by Prof. Dr. Jens Freudenberger, blending physics, chemistry, and materials science in a captivating performance that challenged perceptions and ignited curiosity. Complementing this, the hands-on science quiz invited participants to test their knowledge in a fun, fast-paced format — proving that learning can be both rigorous and joyful.
With its blend of creativity, cutting-edge science, and accessible outreach, the IMC’s participation once again underscored its commitment to science communication, public engagement, and inspiring the next generation of researchers. As IFW Dresden’s flagship event lights up the city for one night a year, the IMC continues to prove that the future of materials science is not only being built in the lab — it’s being imagined, explored, and shared with the world.
Links: program at IFW 2025 - press release LNdW at IFW 2025
© all pictures by IMC or IFW Dresden
The year 2025 has been a particularly successful one for doctoral research at the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC). A total of seven researchers successfully completed and defended their doctoral theses, reflecting the broad scientific expertise and interdisciplinary research activities within the institute.
The dissertations covered a wide range of topics, from biomaterials and electrochemistry to advanced metallic materials, battery research, thin-film technologies, and precursor chemistry for functional materials:
The successful completion of these doctoral projects demonstrates the high scientific standards maintained across all IMC research groups. Particularly noteworthy is that the majority of the theses were completed with very good or excellent results, underlining the quality of research, supervision, and academic training within the institute.
A special highlight towards the end of the year was the successful completion of three doctoral defenses within the research group Molecules to Materials, led by Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi. Florian Preischel, Jean-Pierre Jürgen Glauber, and Jorit Obenlüneschloß defended their theses within a short period of time, resulting in a remarkable “PhD-Hattrick” for the group. Their work contributes significantly to the development of novel precursor chemistries, deposition processes, and functional thin-film materials for future energy and electronic technologies.
The Institute for Materials Chemistry warmly congratulates all doctoral graduates on this important milestone and thanks them for their valuable scientific contributions. Their achievements represent not only personal success but also a testament to the collaborative and innovative research environment at IMC.
The Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) played a key role in the 33rd International Materials Research Congress (IMRC 2025) in Cancún, Mexico, where atomic-scale materials engineering took center stage. For the first time, the congress featured a dedicated symposium on “Atomic Layer Deposition and Atomic Layer Etching: From Fundamentals to Emerging Technologies”, highlighting the transformative potential of ALD and ALE in next-generation nanotechnology, semiconductors, and functional materials.
Co-organized by Prof. Kornelius Nielsch (Head of the Institute for Metallic Materials, IFW Dresden), Dr. Amin Bahrami (Group Leader, Surface-Functionalized Materials, Institute for Metallic Materials, IFW Dresden), and Dr. Jorge Luis Vázquez (Postdoctoral Researcher, Surface-Functionalized Materials, Institute for Metallic Materials, IFW Dresden), the symposium brought together leading experts from around the world to discuss cutting-edge advances in atomic-layer precision.
Representing the IMC, Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi delivered a keynote presentation on the development of novel precursors and scalable ALD processes for functional materials — a core focus of her research group, Molecules to Materials. Her work, including the recent breakthrough in low-temperature MgO deposition, was highlighted as a prime example of how fundamental chemistry enables industrial innovation.
With over 2,000 participants, the event marked a major milestone in international collaboration and reinforced IFW Dresden’s growing reputation as a global hub for atomic-layer technologies. The symposium not only showcased Dresden’s scientific excellence but also strengthened networks for future research and industrial applications.
The Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) has officially joined the Leibniz Gesundheitstechnologien (LGT) network, strengthening its commitment to advancing innovative health technologies. The institute will contribute its expertise in bioactive materials and surface acoustic wave (SAW) technologies to support the development of biocompatible functional materials for implants, medical devices, and tissue engineering applications.
Leading this effort are Prof. Dr. Julia Hufenbach and Dr. Birgit Paul from the Alloy Design and Processing Group at IFW Dresden. Their research focuses on designing and processing advanced metallic and functional materials with tailored properties for biomedical use — a key pillar in the LGT’s mission to bridge materials science and healthcare innovation.
IFW’s participation also includes pioneering work in SAW-based point-of-care technologies, with potential applications in cell sorting, microfluidics, and aerosol generation — enabling next-generation diagnostic tools.
The expansion of LGT to 19 institutes and 4 Leibniz spinoffs underscores the growing momentum of interdisciplinary health technology research across Germany. IFW Dresden’s integration marks a strategic step in leveraging materials science for real-world medical impact.
Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi, Director of the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) at IFW Dresden and Professor of Materials Chemistry at TU Dresden, co-chaired the 9th International Conference on Area Selective Deposition (ASD2025) in Leipzig, a leading global forum for advancing thin-film deposition technologies.
The conference, attended by 135 researchers and industry experts from 18 countries, brought together academia and industry to explore the future of selective deposition — a key enabler for next-generation semiconductor devices. With a strong focus on bridging fundamental research and industrial application, the event featured 31 technical presentations, eight invited keynotes, and a dedicated industry panel discussion.
As co-chair, Prof. Devi played a central role in shaping the scientific agenda and fostering dialogue between researchers and companies. Her leadership underscores IMC’s growing influence in materials science and its commitment to driving innovation at the intersection of chemistry, materials, and technology.
The Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) successfully hosted the European Society of Thin Films (EFDS) Fall Meeting at IFW Dresden, bringing together over 30 researchers and industry experts to advance innovation in thin film technologies.
Co-organized by Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi (Director, IMC, IFW Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Julia Hufenbach (Alloy Design and Processing Group, IFW Dresden), the event highlighted cutting-edge research in functional coatings, energy storage, sensor technologies, and large-area deposition — key areas within the EFDS’s focus on sustainable and efficient materials solutions.
Participants explored current challenges and future opportunities in surface engineering, vacuum and plasma technologies, and the industrial transfer of research成果. The meeting strengthened existing collaborations and laid the groundwork for new partnerships between academia and industry.
With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary innovation, the event reaffirmed IMC’s central role in advancing thin film science — both nationally and across Europe.
Link: press release of IFW Dresden
2024
From 26–28 August 2024, doctoral researchers and scientists of the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) gathered at the Naturhotel Lindenhof in Holzhau for the annual IMC+ PhD Retreat. Over the course of two and a half days, the retreat provided an excellent platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussion, and team building in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
The scientific programme consisted of eight sessions organized by the different research groups of the institute. Participants presented their ongoing research projects, methodologies, and scientific challenges, providing valuable insights into the diverse research activities carried out at IMC. The sessions encouraged a deeper understanding of the institute’s broad scientific portfolio and highlighted opportunities for future collaborations.
Complementing the presentations, poster sessions offered additional opportunities for discussion and networking. A particular highlight of the retreat was the Team Challenge, where participants worked together in interdisciplinary groups to develop innovative ideas beyond the traditional boundaries of individual research topics. Through brainstorming sessions, collaborative discussions, and creative problem-solving, new perspectives emerged that may inspire future research directions within the institute.
Coffee breaks and informal discussions throughout the event further contributed to a productive atmosphere, allowing participants to connect across research groups, exchange experiences, and explore potential synergies.
The retreat also included a variety of leisure activities designed to strengthen personal connections within the IMC community. Participants enjoyed hiking, outdoor games, sports activities, and walks through the scenic surroundings of Holzhau. Evenings were dedicated to social events including ninepins, bowling, and gathering around the fire pit, creating ample opportunities for informal exchange.
The retreat concluded with presentations of the Team Challenge results, followed by a voting session and an award ceremony recognizing the most compelling ideas and contributions. Before departing for Dresden, participants gathered for a final lunch, bringing a successful and engaging retreat to a close.
The IMC+ PhD Retreat 2024 once again demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary dialogue and community building, strengthening both scientific exchange and personal connections across the institute.
The Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) made a vibrant impact at the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2024, helping to transform the IFW Dresden campus into a dynamic space where science, creativity, and community came together.
With four hands-on stations led by dedicated researchers, the IMC invited visitors of all ages to step into the world of advanced materials — not just as observers, but as active participants in discovery.
At the heart of the evening were the guided lab tours, led by Dr. Thomas Gemming, which offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research. Small groups explored transmission electron microscopy labs and the “Superpuddles Lab,” where novel quantum materials are synthesized. With topics ranging from electron-based materials analysis to the creation of superconducting compounds — some sessions even included English explanations — the tours provided rare access to the tools and ideas shaping future technologies. With limited capacity and high demand, the tours ran from 5:15 PM to 10:15 PM, drawing enthusiastic visitors eager to ask questions and learn directly from scientists.
The science show by Prof. Dr. Jens Freudenberger at 6:30 PM captivated the lecture hall with a fast-paced, interactive journey through physics, chemistry, and materials science. Through live experiments and audience participation, Dr. Freudenberger turned complex phenomena into memorable moments — a highlight for schoolchildren and adults alike.
Equally popular was the “Structures of the Future” station, part of the JUNIORDOKTOR program, where visitors tested their engineering intuition using a virtual bridge simulator. Designed by Philipp Grimm and Nicole Geißler and supported by the Graduiertenkolleg D³, the station invited participants to sketch their own bridge designs, which were then simulated under real-world loads. Success meant a playful reward: a 3D-printed jointed T-Rex — a fun symbol of structural complexity. The station drew long queues, with visitors fascinated by spinodal structures, hyperuniformity, and the science behind metamaterials.
Completing the experience was the SpinBike, a creative fusion of lab technique and art led by Dr. Fabian Paulus. Located outdoors the SpinBike allowed visitors to create swirling, colorful spin paintings — a direct homage to the spin coating process used to produce ultra-thin functional layers in materials research. The station became a favorite for families, offering a tactile, joyful way to experience science in motion.
As the D³ team reflected, “It was the ideal opportunity to discuss science with the public, answer unexpected questions, and share the excitement of current research — while growing as a team.” The event not only inspired visitors but also strengthened the bonds among young researchers, proving that science is as much about connection as it is about discovery.
With its blend of innovation, accessibility, and human engagement, the IMC’s 2024 LNDWDD presence reaffirmed its mission: to make materials science visible, meaningful, and unforgettable — one experiment, one bridge, and one spin painting at a time.
Link: Programm LNdW at IFW Dresden 2024
(c) all images, despite the LNdW Logo, by IFW Dresden, LNdW Logo 2024 by wissenschaftsnacht-dresden.de
On January 1, 2024, Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi assumed the role of Director of the Institute for Materials Chemistry (IMC) at IFW Dresden, bringing her internationally recognized expertise in materials chemistry to shape the institute’s future research direction. As Chair of Materials Chemistry at TU Dresden, she is driving a strategic shift toward an expanded, interdisciplinary focus on functional materials — from molecular precursor design to scalable synthesis and application-driven development.
Her research centers on the development of novel precursors and advanced ALD/MOCVD processes for nanostructured functional materials, with a particular emphasis on 2D materials, heterostructures, and nanostructured surfaces. By bridging synthetic chemistry and materials science, her team is pioneering scalable, atomic-level fabrication of materials for applications in micro/nano/optoelectronics, energy conversion, and storage. A key goal is to unlock tunable electronic and structural properties through precise process control — enabling sustainable innovation across industries.
In the coming years, Prof. Devi will lead the establishment of a new ALD competence center under the ASPIRE2D project, positioning IFW Dresden as a hub for atomic-scale processing of 2D materials. With strong ties to the Silicon Saxony network and the Leibniz Association, this platform will foster collaboration between academia and industry — accelerating the transition from lab to market.
Link:press release of IFW
from press release 01/05/2024 - Press Releases 2024
We are pleased to announce that the publication “Novel Corrosion-Resistant Tool Steels with Superior Wear Properties” has been selected as part of the Best of Advanced Engineering Materials – 2023 Editor’s Choice Collection. The article was highlighted by the editors of Advanced Engineering Materials as one of the journal’s outstanding contributions.
The research presents a novel class of high-strength cast tool steels that combine excellent wear resistance with enhanced corrosion resistance. Through tailored alloy design and advanced processing strategies, the team developed materials capable of meeting the demanding requirements of highly abrasive and corrosive operating environments. The work contributes to the development of more durable and resource-efficient tool materials for industrial applications.
The publication is the result of a successful collaboration between Josephine Zeisig, Lars Giebeler, Annett Gebert, Steffen Oswald, Uta Kühn, and Julia Hufenbach.
We warmly congratulate all authors on this recognition and the inclusion of their work in the Best of Advanced Engineering Materials – 2023 Edition.
The seminar and lecture programs of the Institute for Materials Chemistry provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, scientific discussion, and insight into current developments in materials science and chemistry. Discover those, where researchers, students, and invited guests come together to share ideas, discuss current research, and inspire scientific exchange:
