Faculty Profile of Bettina Lotsch

Our research explores the rational synthesis of new functional materials by combining the tools of molecular, solid-state and nanochemistry. Research interests include the design of organic, inorganic and hybrid materials for solar energy conversion and storage, ion conductors for electrochemical energy storage, and “smart” photonic crystals for optical sensing. We aim at creating function from both atomic-scale structure and nanoscale morphology, with a strong emphasis on exploring structure-property relationships based on a variety of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. Recent activities include the development of molecular frameworks for solar batteries, “dark” photocatalysis, photomemristive sensors, and (photo)electrocatalytic CO2 conversion, the development of quantum materials for (photo)electrocatalysis, as well as the design of lithium and sodium thiophosphate and sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries.