Presentation
This research area focuses on detailed studies of the electronic structure and chemical bonding in materials, and how these determine their physical and functional properties. By combining suitable elements into different compounds and alloys, properties such as hardness, elasticity, conductivity, band gap, and superconductivity can be tailored.
The work represents application-oriented basic research conducted at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM). It includes synthesis processes, material selection, and temperature-dependent phenomena such as spinodal decomposition and superconductivity, which are also of industrial relevance. Experimental investigations using advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques with synchrotron radiation are combined with corresponding computational methods.
Research Focus
The research explores how electronic structure and chemical bonding govern the functional properties of advanced materials – ranging from two-dimensional (2D) MAX and MXene systems to amorphous nanocomposites, nitrides,and minerals.
Using synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy together with quantum-mechanical calculations, the relationships between orbital hybridization, charge transfer, and local bonding environments are analysed, as well as their influence on electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties.
Methods and Applications
The research combines materials synthesis with experimental characterisation using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption (XAS), X-ray emission (XES), resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These are complemented by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), as well as multiplet and charge-transfer models.
The aim is to achieve a deeper understanding of the relationship between structure and function, and to contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for energy, electronics, and mining technologyapplications.
Current Research Topics
- Electronic structure in MAX- and MXene-based 2D materials
- Metallenes – atomically thin metallic layers such as goldene
- Amorphous carbide, hydride, boride, and nitride films and their local bonding environments
- Complex nitride and oxide systems with directional electronic anisotropy
- Gold-bearing minerals and environmentally friendly separation strategies
- Current material studies include MAX phases, MXenes, amorphous carbides, and nitrides.
Learn More
More information about this research can be found on the personal research webpage.
