معرفی
Hermann Nienhaus is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany, leading a research group focused on experimental surface physics and nanotechnology. His work centers on ultrahigh-resolution charge transfer studies, electronic excitations from chemical reactions, and metal-semiconductor interface characterization, with significant contributions to graphene metallization and GaN surface passivation.
Education:
- 1981-1988: Physics, Mathematics, Economics at University of Münster and University of Exeter; Scholar of Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- 1988: Diploma in Physics (Institute of Nuclear Physics, Münster) with distinction
- 1994: PhD in Experimental Physics (Duisburg) with distinction
- 2000: Habilitation in Experimental Physics at Gerhard-Mercator-Universität Duisburg
Research Focus: Nienhaus investigates contact electrification dynamics using sub-attoampere charge detection, chemicurrent phenomena in metal-organic reactions, and nanoparticle spectroscopy of carbon systems (graphene/C60). His group pioneers techniques for studying semiconductor surface phonons (GaN, SiC, III-V) and develops sensors for cryogenic charge measurement, with recent work emphasizing quantum size effects in thin-film oxidation and non-adiabatic charge transfer processes.
Publication Trends: Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals dominant themes in ultra-sensitive instrumentation (sub-attoampere electrometers, 3D particle tracking) and nanoscale reaction dynamics (oxygen adsorption, plasmon-coupled chemiluminescence). Key advancements include Hofmeister-anion stabilization of gold nanoparticles, quantum size effects in Mg epilayers, and non-dissociative O2 reactions on potassium surfaces, bridging fundamental surface science with energy applications.
Awards:
- Scholarship of German National Academic Foundation (1982-1988)
- Annual Prize of Duisburger Universitätsgesellschaft (1995)
- Feodor-Lynen-Scholarship (1997-1998)
- CME Distinguished Guest Speaker (2010)
Academic Activities: Nienhaus actively supervises bachelor's/master's theses in experimental physics and co-authored a three-volume physics textbook series for teacher training. His research is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB616) and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, with international collaborations at UC Santa Barbara and University of Illinois. Current projects focus on cryogenic charge detection and nanoparticle energy applications.
Laboratory Infrastructure: His workgroup operates within the Department of Physics, utilizing NETZ (Nano Energie Technik Zentrum) and CeNIDE facilities. The lab specializes in ultra-high vacuum surface science, including high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), chemicurrent detection, and scanning probe microscopy for semiconductor surface and nanoparticle characterization.
