Oliver Diwald

Oliver Diwald is a Professor of Materials Science and Crystallography at the University of Salzburg, where he holds a chair in the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials within the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences. He has been head of the department since October 2019 and leads the working group on Materials and Interfaces. Diwald is also a member of the Academic Senate at the university.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien, Austria)
• Habilitation in Physical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology (2006)

His research focuses on the engineering of functional nanomaterials, particularly inorganic nanoparticles and metal oxides, with an emphasis on interfacial processes, defect chemistry, and the design of intergranular regions in ceramics (cerafaces). His work bridges surface science, solid-state chemistry, and materials engineering.

The recent publications highlight trends in tribochemistry, defect manipulation in oxide nanomaterials, and the engineering of ceramic microstructures for tailored optical and electronic properties. These studies demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach combining spectroscopy, materials synthesis, and functional characterization.

Scientific Awards:

• Erwin-Schrödinger Fellowship, Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

Oliver Diwald has advised multiple researchers and collaborates extensively, though specific student names are not listed. He leads an active research group focused on advanced materials, contributing to both fundamental understanding and technological applications. His team is involved in projects related to nanoparticle growth, functionalization, and ceramic engineering.

Laboratories and Research Groups:

• Working Group: Materials and Interfaces
• Research focus on cerafaces (engineered intergranular regions in ceramics)
• Active lab for spectroscopic and structural analysis of nanomaterials