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  • The Birkel Lab @ ASU

    Our team works on the interface between experimental inorganic solid-state chemistry and materials science
  • Birkel Group members

    Learn about diverse synthesis techniques and the structures and properties of layered solids and 2D materials
  • Arizona State University

    Our current home is the Biodesign C Building on Tempe campus
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We commit

...to an inclusive and safe environment ....to open channels of communication ...to respect for all group members ...to advocate for diversity in science and beyond

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birkel Team logo

The Birkel Lab logo visually expresses our group’s research vision — the discovery, synthesis, and understanding of advanced inorganic and layered materials through innovative chemistry. Every element in the design symbolizes a core aspect of what we do and value.
⚛️ Central HexagonThe hexagonal frame represents crystalline order and the atomic lattices characteristic of layered and 2D materials such as MAX phases and MXenes. Its geometry echoes the structural motifs that define our work in solid-state and materials chemistry.
🧪 Flask at the CenterThe round-bottom flask anchors the logo in synthetic chemistry and synthesis science — it signifies hands-on experimentation and the creation of new materials through synthesis and design. It also highlights the chemical foundations that drive our materials innovations.
⚡Lightning Bolt and FlameThese symbols embody energy and transformation. The lightning bolt represents non-conventional energy inputs, such as microwave-assisted heating or spark plasma sintering, while the flame signifies high-temperature reactions central to the formation of solids. They also demonstrate our focus on energy materials and materials that can be used under extreme conditions.
🌿 Green LeafThe leaf symbolizes sustainability and our commitment to environmentally responsible materials synthesis. It reflects the lab’s vision of advancing chemistry that contributes to a more sustainable energy and materials future.
🧩 Multicolored SquaresThe small colored squares evoke the periodic table of elements, representing chemical diversity and the vast compositional space explored in our work — from carbides and nitrides to oxides and borides. Their colors underscore the creativity and variety inherent in modern materials chemistry.
✨ Gold and Green GradientsThe combination of gold and green symbolizes excellence, innovation, and growth. Gold reflects the value and precision of advanced materials research, while green ties the work to sustainability and renewal.
📚 Layered Lines and Geometric MotifsSubtle layered structures and grid lines reference 2D and layered materials, intergrowths, and stacked crystal architectures. They visually communicate the lab’s interest in understanding how atomic arrangement and composition govern function.
🔶 Text: “BIRKEL LAB — Materials Chemistry”The integrated typography connects the lab’s identity directly with its mission. “Materials Chemistry” situates the group at the intersection of inorganic synthesis, solid-state chemistry, and materials science, encapsulating the interdisciplinary nature of our research.

2nd Materialz winter school 2025 was a success

Read the ASU News article here.

Upcoming Group presentations

Presenter
Place
Date
Christina Niels
49th International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC2025), Daytona Beach invited talk 49th International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC2025), invited talk
Jan 26 - 31, 2025 Jan 26 - 31, 2025
Isabel
49th International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC2025), talk
Jan 26 - 31, 2025
Christina
Materials for Sustainable Development Conference (MATSUS25), Sevilla, Spain invited talk
March 3 - 7, 2025
Isabel
Materials for Sustainable Development Conference (MATSUS25), Sevilla, Spain poster
March 3 - 7, 2025
Christina
16th Pacific Rim Conference on Ceramic and Glass Technology including Glass & Optical Materials Division Meeting (GOMD 2025), Vancouver, CA invited talk
May 4 - 9, 2025
Christina
21st International Conference on Diffusion in Solids and Liquids (DSL2025), Naples, Italy invited talk (SS8, 2D materials)
June 23-27, 2025
Niels
21st International Conference on Diffusion in Solids and Liquids (DSL2025), Naples, Italy talk (SS3, Non-conventional synthesis)
June 23-27, 2025
Christina
American Chemical Society Fall 2025 Meeting, Washington, DC invited talk
August 17-21, 2025
Christina
GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2025Karlsruhe, Germanyinvited talk (tandem)
Oct 1, 2025
Christina
Materials Research Society 2025 Fall Meeting, Boston invited talk
Nov 30 - Dec 5

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Contact Info
christina.birkel@asu.edu
1001 S. McAllister Ave. Tempe 85281
Copyright © Christina Birkel. All rights reserved.

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