Materials of the future Priority Research Area POB3

We would like to invite you to a lecture by the distinguished scientist Prof. Christian Mitterer from the Department of Materials Science, Technical University of Leoben, Austria.

Prof. Christian Mitterer is a highly experienced researcher in plasma surface functionalization, as well as in the development of hard coatings and thin films for electronic applications. During the lecture, new directions in the development of functional materials and methods for their characterization will be presented.

Prof. Mitterer is a co-author of more than 400 publications, and his Hirsch index is 72. He is an editor of the journal Surface and Coatings Technology (Elsevier) and has also served as a guest editor for the journals Thin Solid Films (Elsevier), Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A (American Institute of Physics), Vacuum (Elsevier), and Advanced Engineering Materials.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous distinctions, including the Erich Schmid Award of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2001), the R.F. Bunshah Award and Honorary ICMCTF Lectureship (2020), and the IUVSTA Prize for Science (2022). He was elected Fellow of the American Vacuum Society (2012).

The lecture will take place on March 17 at 12:30 via the Zoom platform:

https://polsl-pl.zoom.us/j/94382794238?pwd=K2QbmGlZMv71SMDWsETeHU8Q63bw0A.1

Meeting ID: 943 8279 4238
Passcode: 52877

You are warmly invited to attend!

Abstract:

Engineering the Future: Multi-functional Surfaces for a Changing World 
Christian Mitterer
Department of Materials Science, Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria

Over the past decades, plasma-assisted vapor deposition has emerged as a powerful tool for the design and synthesis of novel multifunctional surfaces, reshaping the landscape of tribological coatings for high-performance tools as well as automotive and aerospace components. Today, as global challenges such as climate change and emerging pandemics intensify, the demand for advanced surface functionalities is rapidly increasing, opening opportunities for entirely new application domains.
This talk will begin with a brief introduction to plasma-assisted surface engineering, followed by selected highlights from current research activities in this field. Examples include hard coatings for machining applications and thin films for flexible electronics, where nanoscale design concepts enable damage-tolerant or even self-healing behavior. More recent research focuses on energy-related applications, such as self-cleaning superhydrophilic films for concentrated solar power plants and nanoporous carbons for hydrogen storage. Finally, the potential of multifunctional surfaces for the detection of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, will be discussed.
These examples illustrate the remarkable versatility of plasma-assisted surface engineering approaches and their potential to play a transformative role in addressing future technological and societal challenges.

Prof Christian Mitterer

Christian Mitterer received his PhD in Materials Science from Montanuniversität Leoben in 1994. Since 2011, he has held the Chair of Functional Materials and Materials Systems within the Department of Materials Science at the same institution. His research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced multifunctional coatings, thin films and surfaces, establishing the scientific chain between synthesis conditions, structure, properties, and performance, with particular emphasis on nitrides, borides, carbides, oxides, metals, and alloys. He has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, edited 14 conference proceedings and special issues, and holds eight patents.
His research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced multifunctional coatings, thin films, and surfaces, with the aim of establishing the scientific relationships between synthesis conditions, structure, properties, and performance. His work particularly addresses materials such as nitrides, borides, carbides, oxides, metals, and alloys. Professor Mitterer has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, edited 14 conference proceedings and special issues, and holds eight patents. He serves on the Editorial Boards of Surface and Coatings Technology (Elsevier) and Nanomaterials (MDPI), and has acted as Guest Editor for for Surface and Coatings Technology (Elsevier), Thin Solid Films (Elsevier), Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A (American Institute of Physics), Vacuum (Elsevier), and Advanced Engineering Materials (Wiley).
His contributions have been recognized with numerous distinctions, including the Erich Schmid Award of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2001), the R.F. Bunshah Award and Honorary ICMCTF Lectureship (2020), and the IUVSTA Prize for Science (2022). He was elected Fellow of the American Vacuum Society (2012), Corresponding Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2016), and Full Member (2024).