Section of Functional Materials and Nanotechnology | ZHAW Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology ICBT

«Teaching does much, but encouragement does everything.»
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe -

Prof. Dr. Christian Adlhart, Head of Section

The focus of the section of Functional Materials and Nanotechnology is the modification and analysis of surfaces and the development of applications in the following areas of chemistry and biology.

Areas of expertise

Functional- and biomaterials
Nanotechnology
Surface analysis
Filtration technology in industrial chemistry

Research and Cooperations

Opportunities for cooperation are given within the framework of research and development projects, service contracts, or Bachelor and Master theses in the areas of:

Functional- and biomaterials, nanotechnology

development of new modified surfaces using nanotechnology (e.g. Langmuir Blodgett technology, layer-by-layer coating)
development of nanofibers based membranes for filtration applications
application development in the field of nanotubes and meso porous silica
MIPs (Molecularly Imprinted Polymers) for customized absorption
encapsulation and controlled release of pharmaceutical actives using nano fibers
stabilization of molecules by encapsulation in nano porous materials
materials for light management (e.g. light collectors for solar cells)
development of new column materials for chromatography
synthesis of Janus particles and investigation of their properties

Fachstelle Funktionsmaterialien und Nanotechnologie, das Team — The Team

Pan Flies — Nanofibres with encapsulated molecular imprinted polymers

Surface analysis

analysis and assessment of surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)
analysis of surfaces using confocal Raman microscopy
measurement of surface charge (zeta potential) of powder, fibers, membranes, woven and non-woven fabrics using streaming potential measurements
in vivo/in vitro skin penetration studies of actives

Filtration methods

consulting on the selection of appropriate filtration systems and filter aid
systematic analysis and selection of filter aids
depth filter sheets development - use of new fibers and / or inorganic materials
tailor-made filtration products for the specific removal of contaminations
services for optimizing industrial filtration processes