The synthesis of novel materials and, in particular, understanding their properties on an atomic level require the close collaboration of different chemical disciplines. As a consequence, scientists with expertise in various fields such as synthetic inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry of small particles and surfaces, and theoretical chemistry work closely together in the Institute of Materials Chemistry (IMC). The common target of the different research efforts is to develop innovative synthetic routes to prepare novel materials, to obtain fundamental knowledge of structure-property relationships and to apply sophisticated characterization methods to the various chemical problems.

Knowledge-transfer also plays an important role at the Institute of Materials Chemistry. Comprehensive basic knowledge is taught in many courses, including inorganic, physical, surface and theoretical chemistry. Up-to-date lectures and laboratory courses on "Applied physical and analytical chemistry" and "Applied synthesis" connect students to cutting-edge science and technology.