Ulrich Haeussermann

Ulrich Haussermann performs research in the field of inorganic solid state/materials chemistry, and the program he is involved in aims at the exploration of fundamental crystal structure-bonding-property relationships in a large variety of metallic and semimetallic materials. Current efforts are centred round the synthesis and structural characterisation of complex intermetallic narrow gap semiconductors and novel main group hydrides with polymeric anions. Both types of materials have interesting electrical and thermal trans port properties and could find application in, e.g., thermoelectric devices.

For materials synthesis a number of techniques are employed, covering low-temperature flux methods,conventional (high-temperature) ceramic methods, and the application of extreme temperatures and pressures. An important aspect of the group's research is the intimate combination of experimental work with advanced electronic structure calculations. Electronic structure theory helps to uncover essential structure-property relationships and directs further experiments towards a controlled design of materials.

Professor Haussermann is an associate professor in the School of Molecular Sciences.