Rainer Niewa

Professor Rainer Niewa leads the Department of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Inorganic Chemistry. His research focuses on developing novel inorganic materials through sophisticated synthetic approaches, particularly ammonothermal synthesis of semiconductors and transition metal nitrides.

Research Focus: Current projects investigate ternary nitrides with inverse perovskite structures, Ga_1−xM_xN solid solutions (M = Sc, Cr), electrochemical nitride synthesis in molten salts, and high-pressure crystallization of metastable phases. Characterization employs X-ray/neutron diffraction, thermochemical analysis, and property evaluation including magnetism and mechanical behavior.

Teaching & Supervision: Professor Niewa teaches courses in inorganic chemistry and materials synthesis, and supervises doctoral candidates exploring nitride chemistry, ferrite synthesis, and electrochemical methods. The research group maintains laboratories for synthesis (3.167, 4.167), thermal analysis (4.336), and specialized equipment for high-pressure reactions.

Collaborations: Joint research seminars are conducted with Schleid, Rasche, and Hartenbach working groups. Recent guest researchers include Sylvain LeTonquesse (2015) and Dr. Denis Vinnik (2011-2013).