Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

World-class research with high impact

The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science focuses on micro-, nano- and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials. Our work in these areas encompasses synthesis, characterization and computational research.

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Lasse Murtomäki

Head of Department / Associate Professor
 Antti Karttunen

Antti Karttunen

Vice Head of Department / Associate Professor

Research

The research in the department focuses on advanced and functional materials, chemical synthesis, energy storage and conversion, as well as, molecular and materials modelling. Our teaching provides students a solid background for these topics.

Analytical Chemistry

Research group led by Professor Sakari Kulmala

CHEM_CMAT_Analytical chemistry group_Luminescence research

Atomically Controlled Materials Engineering

Research group led by Professor Ville Miikkulainen

Photo-ALD copper film on patterned tantalum oxide

Computational Chemistry

Research group led by Professor Kari Laasonen

Hydrogen adsorption on NCNT

Data-driven Atomistic Simulation (DAS)

Research group led by Miguel Caro

DAS research group photo

Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

Research group led by Professor Tanja Kallio

Litium ion batteries

Experimental and Theoretical Organic Synthesis

Research group led by Professor Juha Siitonen

Vial being filled with ethanol

Inorganic Materials Chemistry

Research group led by Professor Maarit Karppinen

Assistant Professor Antti Karttunen and the research group combined electronic materials with cotton. Photo: Mikko Raskinen, Aalto University

Inorganic Materials Modelling

Research group led by Professor Antti Karttunen

Phosphorus helix Karttunen

Microfabrication

Research group led by Professor Sami Franssila

Micronova_cleanroom research

Multifunctional Materials Design

Group led by Professor Jaana Vapaavuori

MMD webpage main image. GIF image by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen

Nanochemistry and Nanoengineering

Research group led by Professor Mady Elbahri

NanoChem&NanoEngi Cover

Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry

Research group led by Professor Lasse Murtomäki

CV duck

Soft Materials Modelling

Group led by Professor Maria Sammalkorpi

Soft Materials Modelling group Aalto University

Synthesis Technologies

Group led by Professor Sandra Kaabel

Photo of stainless steel milling jars and balls, and biomaterials cotton and branch.

Emeritus research groups

Physical Characteristics of Surfaces and Interfaces

Research group led by Professor Jari Koskinen

Nanocarbon

Infrastructures:

Research infrastructure

We develop local and global networks

Image from the Aalto Bioproduct centre

AALTOLAB (external link)

AALTOLAB is a virtual laboratory safety training platform developed at Aalto University. AALTOLAB helps both students and staff to maintain high-level safety standards in our laboratories.

An image of virtual laboratory space

Contact information:

Contact information for the research groups

Here you can find listed all the research groups at the department.

CMAT department, photo: Mady Elbahri

Collaboration:

See all the Aalto CHEM collaboration projects here

Create project logo

CREATE (external link)

CREATE aims at developing innovative Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs).

Elcorel project logo

Elcorel (external link)

Electrochemical Conversion of Renewable Electricity into Fuels and Chemicals

Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Are you interested in studying at the School of Chemical Engineering? Here are our Chemistry and Material Science programmes:

See all our school's programmes

Moving to Finland

Here new students and employees can find useful tips for a smooth moving.

We also gathered information about families and recreational activities.

Moving to Finland

Via this page you’ll find information on practical issues regarding moving to Finland, such as social security, taxation and opening a bank account.

For families and spouses

Moving to Finland? Here you can learn more about practicalities.

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Finding a private rental

For longer term accommodation in Helsinki region the best options are either renting or purchasing an apartment or a house. In case you are planning to purchase an apartment we recommend you to contact your bank and/or estate agencies to gain professional assistance and advice. Here you'll find information on renting an apartment, rental rates, and how to find an apartment.

AaltoInn room

Social life and recreation

Having social networks helps you feel at home! Aalto University organises many events and other possibilities for international staff and their families to meet and mingle and thus hopefully settle in smoothly. Additionally, we have collected tips and links for you to find the most suitable information.

Two women walking in the campus area and carrying an Aalto umbrella

Get to know us

Get to know us: Associate Professor Maria Sammalkorpi

Sammalkorpi received her doctorate from Helsinki University of Technology 2004. After her defence, she has worked as a researcher at the Universities of Princeton, Yale and Aalto.

Professori Maria Sammalkorpi

Get to know us: Assistant Professor Ville Miikkulainen

Miikkulainen most recently worked as University Lecturer at Aalto University.

Ville Miikkulainen

Get to know us: Assistant Professor Sandra Kaabel

In this interview we got to know more about Assistant Professor Sandra Kaabel.

Assistant Professor Sandra Kaabel

A maker of better materials

Professor Tanja Kallio develops ecological, safe and affordable materials for batteries and electrocatalysts.

Tanja Kallio / Kuva: Anni Hanen-Kajander

Assistant Professor Juha Siitonen always wanted to be a chemist

Juha Siitonen, Doctor of Philosophy, started his five-year fixed term as Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science on 1 January 2022. The field of the professorship is organic chemistry.

Apulaisprofessori Juha Siitonen laboratoriossa, yllään laboratoriotakki, suojalasit ja -hanskat.

Bacteria factories and soft robots

Tailored molecules and materials could revolutionise the chemicals industry, move fabrics and make solar panels more ecological.

Jan Deska, Jaana Vapaavuori, kuva: Jaakko Kahilaniemi

Get to know us: Assistant Professor Antti Karttunen

Combining virtual reality with teaching.

Antti at Aalto Unviersity smiling towards the camera

Jari Koskinen was awarded The Order of the White Rose of Finland

Jari Koskinen received The Order of the White Rose of Finland

Jari Koskinen with flowers and emblem

Jaana Vapaavuori: From dancer to researcher

Professor of functional nanomaterials would like to combine technology and art in her research.

Professor Jaana Vapaavuori wearing a lab coat and safety glasses.

The German Society of Material Science awards Professor Mady Elbahri the DGM prize of 2020

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e.V. (DGM) has recognized Professor Mady Elbahri at the School of Chemical Engineering, for his outstanding scientific achievements in the field of Nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Professor Mady Elbahri

Young Researcher of the Year develops multifunctional materials

The Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion has named Assistant Professor Jaana Vapaavuori as Young Researcher of the Year for 2020. Vapaavuori's work is guided by design thinking and the optimal utilisation of resources.

Jaana Vapaavuori

News

Photo by Mikael Nyberg, University of Turku
Research & Art Published:

This is how smart textiles can look like: self-cleaning cotton or a colour-changing print

An article by YLE Svenska about 'Beyond e-Textiles' project and 'Interlaced' exhibition at the University of Turku
Aalto Open Science Award 2024. A light blue podium hovering over a blue-pink gradient background with the help of squishy-looking balloons with colored lights inside.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Call for nominees for Aalto University’s Open Science Award 2024

Nominate yourself, your colleague, a research group, a department, or a project for the award.
University lecturers Heli Lehtivuori, Suvi Holmstedt ja Otto Mustonen
Appointments, Research & Art Published:

Three new university lecturers at the School of Chemical Engineering

The School of Chemical Engineering is strengthened with the appointment of Heli Lehtivuori, Otto Mustonen and Suvi Holmstedt as university lecturers. Their expertise in areas such as spectroscopy, materials chemistry and organic chemistry will enrich the teaching and research at Aalto University.
Tekstiiliperhonen, jonka siipiin on punottu valoon reagoivia säikeitä.
Press releases Published:

The butterfly effect – bending and turning artificial muscles with light

In the future, the innovation could be used in for example the development of smart textiles, soft robotics and medicine.

Events

Artificial intelligence, medical decision making and research ethics
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Artificial Intelligence, Medical Decision Making and Research Ethics, Oct 31, 2024

Learn about artificial intelligence, medical decision making, and research ethics with Professor Riitta Salmelin.
AI in research work
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

AI in Research Work, Nov 4, 2024

Learn about artificial intelligence in research work with Data Agents Dr. Pedro Silva and Dr. Enrico Glerean.
Research ethics and legal questions in web-based research
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Research Ethics and Legal Questions in Web-Based Research, Nov 7, 2024

Learn about research ethics and legal questions related to web-based research with Legal Counsel Anniina Harju.
Exploring machine learning in research
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Exploring Machine Learning in Research, Nov 11, 2024

Learn about using machine learning in research with Data Agent, Enriqueta Noriega Benitez.

Where to find us

Kemistintie 1

Kemistintie 1

Kemistintie 1

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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