Dr. Hans-Joachim Räder
Hans Joachim Räder studied chemistry at the University of Mainz. He obtained his Diploma in 1987 with Prof. K. Müllen on a synthetic approach to new heterocyclic fulvalene-type donor structures for conducting organic metals. From 1988 to 1991 he worked for his Ph. D. thesis in the field of electrochemistry. Using cyclic voltammetry, he investigated the redox behavior of extended p-systems which can be used as model compounds for conjugated polymers. In 1990 he moved with the group of Prof. K. Müllen to the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, where he was responsible for projects on redox-chemistry and heterocyclic donors. He established and served the head of mass-spectrometric facility from 1991 to June 2024. Since July 2024, he is a consultant for the MS core facility.
Research interests: Mass Spectrometry of Macromolecules
Our research involves the methodical development of matrix assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the analysis of synthetic polymers, MALDI ion soft-landing of intractable macromolecules, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of unsublimable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and investigation of complex structures by ion mobility mass spectrometry. Special interests were elucidation of desorption and ionization behavior of conjugated polymers, giant PAHs, analysis of insoluble samples and gas phase structure elucidation of macrocycles and catenanes. Currently we explore the application of mass spectrometric imaging methods for organic electronic materials and tumor tissue samples.