Yearbook 2006

If our energy system is transformed to a hydrogen economy, the storage of hydrogen is one of the biggest challenges. All presently available solutions are unsatisfactory with respect to a number of different points. Complex hydrides, especially sodium alanate, are in an advanced development stage as chemical storage alternative. After discovery and optimization of a catalyst, the rehydrogenation times could be reduced to only a few minutes. The concept of catalytic enhancement of the rates of de- and rehydrogenation seems to be generalizable, so that there is hope for the discovery of further technically useful complex hydrides. more

A promising bio-inspired approach to realize functional nanometer-sized objects is based on hierarchically organized chain-like molecules – foldamers – as building blocks of defined shape and size. The synergy of covalent and non-covalent synthesis enables the preparation of functional foldamers, which can be investigated with regard to their folding behavior and structure formation. Utilizing the reversible helix-coil transition, we have recently been able to prepare organic nanotubes with controlled dimensions and addressable surface functionalities as well as photoswitchable transporters for spatially and temporally controlled release. more

CENOBIUM is a multimedia presentation of Romanesque cloister capitals. High-resolution digital photographs, 3-D models, and panoramas will virtually link the capitals to their original surroundings, thus representing them within their original architectural and conceptual contexts. The project is being undertaken in cooperation with the Institute of Information Science and Technologies (ISTI) at the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) in Pisa and has the central aim to study artistic exchange in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in architectural decoration. more