Evaluation Report Publications of the Academy of Finland 1/11

4.17 University of Helsinki, Inorganic Chemistry
Overview
The Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry is a large unit of around 47 researchers 
consisting, on average, of three professors, eight senior researchers, eleven 
postdoctoral researchers and 25 PhD students. On average, three PhD students and 
five MSc students graduate each year. Of the funding, 56 per cent is external, the 
largest source being the Academy of Finland and graduate schools (30%).
Research profile
The unit’s research effort is highly integrated with close collaboration between the 
three leading teams. The research is focused on two main areas of modern inorganic 
chemistry. The materials work is concerned with the production of thin films with a 
specialisation in atomic layer deposition (ALD). The thin film research covers the 
whole area from precursor design and preparation to functional characterisation of 
the films. The research is both fundamental and applied. Work on Li-ion batteries is 
directed towards the production of microbatteries.
The green chemistry is based on organometallic homogenous catalysis, which is 
directed towards the activation of small molecules, such as H2, O2 and CO2, 
synthetic biopolymers and inorganic-organic composites and the catalytic 
decomposition of wood. 
All areas are experimental in nature and are supported by organometallic 
synthesis of catalysts and ALD precursors and X-ray characterisation of coordination 
compounds. The theoretical and computational needs are fulfilled by collaboration 
both within and outside UH.