The research activities at the Chair of Physical Chemistry, University of Leoben, concentrate on the thermodynamic and kinetic characterisation of micro – and nano-crystalline functional materials, emphasizing solid ionic and mixed ionic-electronic conductors (topic Solid State Ionics).

A major goal is to gain a better understanding of mass and charge transport with respect to defect chemistry, including interfaces (surface, grain boundaries, interface electrode / solid electrolyte). These investigations are performed by applying various electrochemical and thermochemical methods, completed by computational modelling.

The research refers to basic problems as well as aspects of application (components for solid oxide fuel and electolysis cells, mixed conducting membranes, electroceramics).