Electrochemistry Chemist receives Hellmuth Fischer Medal
Nanoparticles are the focus of the work by Kristina Tschulik.
Prof Dr Kristina Tschulik, Head of the Research Group of Electrochemistry and Nanoscale Materials and holder of the Chair of Analytical Chemistry II at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), aims to gain a better understanding of electrochemical processes. She was awarded the Hellmuth Fischer Medal 2018 by the Dechema Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie on 29th May 2018 for her contributions to fundamental research.
From nanoparticles to fuel cells
She received the medal for her outstanding contributions to investigating electrochemical processes on nanoparticles and using magnetic fields in electrochemical processes. The nanoparticles that Kristina Tschulik investigates sometimes only measure a few nanometres. The scientist develops methods to characterise chemical reactions that involve these nanoparticles. The procedures enable the concentration, size and composition of individual nanoparticles in solution to be determined. They also make it possible to record how well such particles are able to act as catalysts – knowledge that can be crucial in the development of sustainable energy technology such as fuel cells.
Kristina Tschulik was also the first to derive a model representation of the mechanism that underlies structured metal deposition from various electrolyte systems in inhomogeneous magnetic fields. In doing so, she has closed a gap in research as this electrocrystallisation had only been investigated comprehensively in homogeneous magnetic fields beforehand. Kristina Tschulik was able to show that the magnetic field-supported structuring of layers depends on the magnetic properties of the electrochemically active ions, as well as on electrolyte components that are not involved in the reaction. Her findings open up new practical methods, such as for the production of electrical circuits in computer chips and of magnetic data storage devices.
