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Rolf Hempelmann

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Rolf Hempelmann (born 1951/1948, Germany) is a senior researcher, Senior Professor of Physical Chemistry and Didactics of Chemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany. He is internationally recognized for his work in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, nanomaterials, ionic liquids and sustainable energy research, as well as for his leadership in science education and outreach. (Université de la Sarre)

Academic Background & Career

  • Studied chemistry and received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1980 at the University of Münster (Germany). (Université de la Sarre)
  • Completed habilitation in 1987 at RWTH Aachen University with venia legendi in physical chemistry. (Université de la Sarre)
  • Served as a scientific researcher at the Institute for Solid State Research, Forschungszentrum Jülich, focusing on neutron scattering and muon spin rotation for hydrogen-metal systems early in his career. (Université de la Sarre)
  • Appointed Professor of Physical Chemistry at Saarland University in 1993, where he has led research in electrochemistry, colloid chemistry, nanomaterials and sustainable chemistry. (Université de la Sarre)
  • He now holds Senior Professorship in Physical Chemistry and Didactics, also engaging in science education initiatives. (Université de la Sarre)

Research Expertise & Impact

Professor Hempelmann’s research spans several interrelated areas in physical and sustainable chemistry:

  • Nanostructured Materials & Nanocrystalline Metals: His work includes synthesis, characterization and electrodeposition of nanocrystalline metals and alloys, linking chemistry, materials science and electrochemistry. (Research.com)
  • Ionic Liquids & Electrochemistry: A major focus has been on ionic liquids as media for nanomaterial synthesis and electrochemical processes, contributing to energy storage, catalysis and chemical engineering. (Research.com)
  • Hydrogen and Solid-State Dynamics: Early research used neutron scattering to investigate hydrogen in metals and oxides. (Initiative Alte Schmelz St. Ingbert e.V.)
  • Sustainable Chemistry & Energy Materials: Recent work includes electrochemical catalysts and materials for fuel cells and storage technologies. (Saarland Informatics Campus)

His current research is coordinated through the Transfercentre Sustainable Electrochemistry (TSE), a joint initiative of Saarland University and KIST Europe, reflecting his ongoing leadership in sustainable chemical technologies. (Université de la Sarre)

Publication Record & Bibliometric Profile

According to bibliometric aggregations and citation databases:

  • Total publications: Hempelmann has authored hundreds of scientific publications over his multi-decade career. Scinapse reports ~425 publications attributed to him. (Scinapse)
  • Citation impact: Google Scholar lists around 14,800+ citations to his work, indicating broad scientific influence. (Google Scholar)
  • Hirsch index (h-index): Research.com calculates an h-index of 57, reflecting a high level of research productivity and citation impact across chemistry and materials science fields. (Research.com)
  • His work often appears in electrochemistry, nanomaterials, ionic liquids, physical chemistry and sustainability contexts, indicating impact across multiple disciplines. (Research.com)

Prominent Hempelmann publications by citation include:

  • Electrodeposition of nanocrystalline metals and alloys from ionic liquids – foundational in ionic liquid electrochemistry research. (Research.com)
  • Nanocrystalline nickel and nickel-copper alloys: synthesis, characterization and thermal stability. (Research.com)
  • Nanocrystalline copper by pulsed electrodeposition: effects of additives, temperature and pH. (Research.com)
  • Quasielastic neutron scattering and solid-state diffusion – influential work on dynamics in solids. (Research.com)

Books & Scholarly Contributions

Professor Hempelmann has contributed to academic monographs and reviews, and has played editorial roles:

  • His book “Quasielastic Neutron Scattering and Solid State Diffusion” reviews atomistic diffusion processes in solids – a recognized reference in neutron scattering and materials science. (CiNii)
  • He is co-editor of the Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, a long-established journal in physical chemistry. (De Gruyter Brill)

Patents & Inventions

Hempelmann’s research has also yielded patent families related to electrochemical and nanomaterial technologies, particularly in applications involving sustainable materials and solvent-free coatings. Although precise patent counts from enterprise databases are not fully public, his scientific output is linked to 30+ patent families through collaborators over his career. (Initiative Alte Schmelz St. Ingbert e.V.)

International Cooperation & Projects

Professor Hempelmann has been involved in numerous international research collaborations and EU-funded projects:

  • Coordinator or key partner in EU research networks on sustainable bioelectrochemistry, energy storage and nanomaterials. (idw-online.de)
  • Research exchanges include visits to Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA) as a guest scientist and cooperation with institutions such as KIST Europe (Korea Institute of Science and Technology). (Initiative Alte Schmelz St. Ingbert e.V.)
  • His group collaborates with international laboratories across Europe and Asia on ionic liquids, nanoparticles and electrochemical energy research. (Université de la Sarre)

Awards & Recognition

Professor Hempelmann’s contributions to science and education have been widely recognized:

  • Nernst-Preis of the Deutsche Bunsen-Gesellschaft für physikalische Chemie for his neutron scattering work on metal/hydrogen systems. (Université de la Sarre)
  • Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande (Federal Cross of Merit, Germany) in 2010 for his outstanding commitment to science education and youth outreach. (Université de la Sarre)
  • Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h.c.) from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași (Romania) in recognition of scientific cooperation and support for Romanian students. (Université de la Sarre)

Science Education & Outreach

Beyond academia, Hempelmann has made significant contributions to science education:

  • Founded the NanoBioLab chemistry student laboratory and the SaarLab student laboratory network, fostering early engagement with science for school students. (Université de la Sarre)
  • Played a leading role in LernortLabor – Bundesverband der Schülerlabore e.V., serving as its first chairman and promoting nationwide student lab initiatives. (Université de la Sarre)

Summary

Professor Rolf Hempelmann is a highly accomplished German physical chemist whose career spans sustainable electrochemistry, nanomaterials, ionic liquids and energy research. With hundreds of publications, a strong h-index (~57), influential papers on nanocrystalline metals and ionic liquids, editorial roles, patents and longstanding international collaborations, he is a prominent figure in physical chemistry and energy-related research. His awards — from the Nernst-Preis to the Bundesverdienstkreuz and honorary doctorate — reflect both scientific excellence and broader societal impact through science education and outreach. (Université de la Sarre)