On August 5, Jakob Stahl, a former research scientist in the department of process engineering, successfully defended his dissertation, “Hetero-Aggregates Prepared by Aerosol Mixing: Process Quantification and Applications in Catalysis,” which focuses on the targeted synthesis of functional nanomaterials.  

The research focused on how the interfaces between different nanoparticles - so-called heterocontacts - can be specifically influenced through dual-flame spray pyrolysis, thereby enabling the production of functional nanomaterials with tailored properties. Using innovative methods he developed and a deep learning algorithm, he succeeded in deciphering the mixing process of dual-flame spray pyrolysis and demonstrating how the quality of heterocontacts can be specifically controlled via process parameters.  

The practical relevance of his research is particularly significant: Using CO₂ methanation as an example, he was able to demonstrate that the quality of heterojunctions has a decisive influence on the performance of catalysts. His research thus makes an important contribution to the development of new materials for sustainable energy and climate protection technologies.