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Welcome to the Kloß Group
Here at the Kloß group, lead by Dr. Simon Kloß, we research novel highly oxidized and functional transition metal nitrides. We combine high-pressure synthesis and solid-state physical characterization techniques to explore unique materials.
Latest News
Complex Magnetism in Nitrides @ Nature Communications
In our latest research, we report the high-pressure synthesis of Ca2CoN2, a nitridocobaltate with cobalt in the unprecedented oxidation state +II. Its Na2HgO2-type structure contains linear [CoN2]4− dumbbells on a body-centred tetragonal lattice, where long Co–N–Ca–N–Co superexchange pathways lead to magnetic frustration. Magnetisation and neutron diffraction experiments reveal an incommensurate double-k spin density wave below 54 K, forming a nanoscale checkerboard-type magnetic texture close to a predicted modulated spin liquid phase. Our findings establish transition metal nitrides as model systems for exploring complex spin orders and quantum phases, alongside the much-studied oxides and halides.
Ruddelsden-Popper Nitrides @ Nature Chemistry
In our latest research, we achieved the high-pressure synthesis of Ruddlesden–Popper nitrides (Pr2ReN4, Nd2ReN4, Ce2TaN4), overcoming the challenges of stabilizing nitrogen-rich compounds. These materials exhibit unique metallic and magnetic properties, including low-temperature magnetic ordering and structural transitions. Our findings open pathways for developing advanced layered nitride materials with potential applications in superconductivity, photovoltaics, and beyond.