For Research. For Berlin.

Dieter Vogt

Homogeneous catalysis is a key technology that allows chemical material systems to be manufactured and transformed. Its typical applications include tackling issues such as resource scarcity, a growing world population and environmental degradation.


Dieter Vogt is an expert in this field and researches at the TU Berlin on the subject of chemical reaction technology in catalysis in multiphase systems.

Project description

“Microemulsion ploymerisates (latex polymers) have proven to be efficient phase transfer agents, which make it possible to treat substrates which are otherwise water-insoluble with water-soluble homogeneous catalysts. Under specific circumstances, the water-soluble catalyst aggregates on the latex polymer nanoparticles, so that it is localized directly on the enormously enlarged organic/aqueous phase boundary.To study this further, it is essential that we gain a precise understanding of the phase characteristics and of these aggregation phenomena. Moreover, for practical and technical reasons we require latex polymers which are stable (do not coagulate) at temperatures of up to 150°C and at high agitation speeds. It is precisely these areas of study which we wish to explore with the support of the Einstein Foundation together with colleagues from a number of disciplines as part of the InPROMPT (SFB TR 63) project.“ 


Please close your eyes for a moment and think about your research project. What do you see at first?
Milk! Because that is what a latex emulsion looks like in water.

What kind of interview question would you like to be asked?
How does our society benefit from pure research?

Please name three things that you spontaneously connect to Albert Einstein!

A tireless researcher, great humanist and lateral thinker.

What do you do first thing in the morning when you arrive at your workplace?

Answer my mail so that I can uncluttered my mind, then put on coffee.

To your opinion, what are the three most meaningful inventions of mankind?

Writing, the computer and ammonia synthesis.

What is the most favorite word you ever heard in Berlin? And what does it mean?
Schrippe' - a roll.

Who or what inspires you at work?
Conversations and discussions with colleagues and young associates.

What characteristics distinguish researchers from other people?
A healthy dose of curiosity and a robust ability to cope with frustration, together with resilience.

What do you think: Is there a true prejudice about 
Researchers do not fit a specific stereotype, but are perfectly normal people subject to the same wide range of eccentricities which is peculiar to our particular species!
