Barbara A. J. Lechner

Prof. Dr. Barbara A. J. Lechner is a Professor of Functional Nanomaterials at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding her position within the Department of Chemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Appointed as a Rudolf Mößbauer Professor in October 2020, she leads an active research group investigating dynamic processes in functional nanomaterials under realistic conditions. Her work bridges surface science, catalysis, and nanotechnology with significant funding through prestigious grants including an ERC Starting Grant.

Prof. Lechner's educational background includes a Mag. rer. nat. in Chemistry from the University of Innsbruck (2008) followed by a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge. Her postdoctoral work was conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory under Prof. Miquel Salmeron before she became a group leader at TUM's Chair of Physical Chemistry in 2016.

Her research program focuses on understanding dynamic restructuring processes in functional nanomaterials, particularly model catalysts in reactive gas atmospheres. Using time- and space-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy directly in gas mixtures, her group investigates how metal particle and oxide support structures change and influence material functionality. A key innovation is their use of size-selected clusters with precisely defined atom counts to isolate specific structural effects. Her group also employs synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for complementary chemical information.

Analysis of Prof. Lechner's recent publications reveals a strong focus on atomic-scale dynamics in catalytic systems, with particular emphasis on iron oxide and platinum-based catalysts. Her work increasingly combines advanced microscopy techniques with computational approaches to understand restructuring mechanisms. Notable trends include investigations of strong metal-support interactions (SMSI), cluster encapsulation effects, and the role of lattice oxygen in catalytic processes. Her 2023-2025 publications demonstrate growing interest in 2D materials and their stability on metal surfaces.

• Dozentenpreis des Fonds der Chemischen Industrie (2023)
• ERC Starting Grant (2019)
• Stipendium im Jungen Kolleg der Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften (2018)
• Marie Skłodowska Curie Stipendium (2017)
• Max Auwärter Preis (2016)
• Springer Thesis Prize (2013)

Prof. Lechner leads two major research projects: TACCAMA (Atomic-Scale Motion Picture: Taming Cluster Catalysts at the Abyss of Meta-Stability, 2020-2026), an ERC-funded project focusing on atomic-scale motion in cluster catalysts, and CRC1441 (Tracking the Active Site in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Emission Control, 2021-2024), which investigates active sites in catalytic emission control systems. Her teaching includes experimental methods in physical chemistry and research practicums, indicating active student mentorship though specific advisees aren't listed in the available materials.

Her laboratory specializes in advanced surface characterization techniques, particularly movie-rate scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) capable of operating at elevated temperatures and near-ambient pressures. This unique capability allows her team to observe dynamic processes in reactive gas atmospheres, providing unprecedented insights into catalyst restructuring during operation. The group also maintains strong collaborations with synchrotron facilities for complementary X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.