The picture shows two scientists, one younger and one older, changing the gripper of a 6-axis robot for a tensile test with magneto-active polymers.

Intelligent microstructures for chemical analysis

The creators of the "Star Trek" series invented exotic planets, fantastic aliens and breathtaking technological possibilities. The portable tablet computer with touch operation is now a reality and the smartphone has overtaken the communicator. Only one thing has not yet been achieved: A multifunctional hand scanner like the tricorder remains science fiction. However, the Intelligent Microstructures for Chemical Analysis (IMCA) research cluster is also working on this.

Goals & application

Microstructures and nanomaterials make the "lab on a chip", the laboratory on a square centimetre, a reality. The aim of the IMCA is to develop a suitably compact "electronic nose" that is mobile, fast and reliable and available to users around the clock. The end result is a new form of pH measurement that utilises tiny metal oxide particles and can be used in the areas of environmental monitoring, hazardous substance screening, lifestyle products and medical diagnostics.

Publications by persons represented by OTH Regensburg can be found on the publication server.

Research & Development

The IMCA develops new types of electrodes and electrolyte systems, tests supercapacitors in long-term tests and clarifies the mechanisms of energy storage and ageing.

Specific research topics include

  • Metal oxide sensors for environmental technology, laboratory and medicine
  • Ageing mechanisms of lithium batteries and supercapacitors
  • Chemical analysis of materials, residues and cases of damage
  • Intelligent magnetic elastomers
  • Structuring of elastomer surfaces

 

Expertise & cooperations

The IMCA carries out the following material analyses for regional and international partners:

  • Atomic and X-ray spectroscopy: AAS, ICP-OES, LIPS, XRD, XRF
  • Molecular spectroscopy: FTIR, UV/Vis, GC/MS
  • Thermal analysis: DSC, TGA-IR
  • Electrochemical methods: EIS, CV
  • Wet chemical methods: TN, TAN
  • Rheological measurements

We welcome enquiries and collaborations with industry and other universities as well as with Master's and Bachelor's students. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our contact persons at any time.

Current research projects

  • Sensor array for an electrochemical pH sensor
  • Long-term testing and material stability of electrochemical peak load storage systems
  • Sustainable use of secondary fertilisers and analysis of biogenic residues
  • Magnetoelectric and magnetomechanical interactions in compliant composite materials
  • Magnetically tunable surface properties of soft magnetoactive elastomers
  • Magnetic soft matter for robotics

Contact us

Cluster spokesperson: Prof. Dr Peter Kurzweil (OTH Amberg-Weiden)

Deputy Cluster Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Mikhail Chamonine (OTH Regensburg)

Research assistants: Inna Belyaeva; Gašper Glavan; Raphael Kriegl (all OTH Regensburg)