The Manfred M. Kappes Lab

Manfred M. Kappes’s lab explores the structure, dynamics, and intrinsic properties of molecules, clusters, and nanomaterials in isolation. The core research focus is to understand matter at the molecular and nanoscale without the perturbing effects of solvents or solid environments, thereby revealing fundamental structure–property relationships. A hallmark of the lab is the use of advanced gas-phase techniques, including ion mobility spectrometry, high-resolution mass spectrometry, helium-tagging action spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures, and photoelectron spectroscopy. These methods are often combined with quantum-chemical calculations to resolve isomeric structures, electronic states, and reaction pathways. Current research topics include atomically precise metal nanoclusters, lanthanide and actinide complexes, luminescent dyes and coordination compounds, and model catalyst systems. The lab also investigates how clusters evolve under activation, ligand exchange, or surface deposition, bridging the gap between isolated species and functional materials. Applications of this work range from catalysis and nanotechnology to photonics, sensing, and emerging quantum technologies, such as lanthanide-based molecular qubits. By providing benchmark data and mechanistic insight, the research supports rational design of functional nanomaterials and catalysts. The lab is an excellent fit for students interested in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or nanoscience. Ideal candidates enjoy spectroscopy, instrumentation, and theory–experiment interplay, and are motivated to tackle fundamental questions about structure and dynamics at the nanoscale.