Molecular Catalysis in the Cider Cellar
Dr. Nils Nöthling presents his research at “Heimspiel Wissenschaft” in Hamminkeln
The focus of Dr. Nils Nöthling's work at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung is on the tiniest molecular structures. The researcher examines crystalstructures using X-ray diffraction to help colleagues in the synthesis laboratory—who design new catalysts—determine whether their syntheses have been successful. His work requires precise physicochemical analysis and creative curiosity. In his hometown of Hamminkeln, however, Nöthling is best known for his role in the local fire brigade. The 35-year-old serves as a senior fire inspector and deputy unit leader. As part of the 'Heimspiel Wissenschaft' series, he presented at the van Nahmen cidery, talking about what led him into research and how his everyday working life in Mülheim an der Ruhr, around 50 kilometres away, shapes him.
Around 80 guests gathered in the cider cellar to gain deeper insight into the world of molecules and catalysis. After touring the production side, the researcher began by clearly explaining the chemical fundamentals before moving on to describe his complex field of work in chemical crystallography. “We work closely with synthetic chemists—including Nobel laureate Benjamin List—to elucidate molecular structures that are essential for research projects. Molecules are not all the same, even if they consist of the same atomic components. Their precise three-dimensional structure makes all the difference, particularly in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavor compounds—and we can determine this exactly with our analyses,” Nöthling explained.
The chemist reported that he is often involved in the development of new sustainable catalysts. One example is bismuth, a readily available chemical element and often a by-product of ore extraction, which researchers have found to exhibit unexpected reactivity. He also highlighted the production of the sought-after fragrance ambergris, which in nature forms through the photooxidation of a digestive product of sperm whales. Through advances in catalysis research, this substance can now be produced more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way using new organocatalysts.
Guests gained insight into the scientist’s daily work and were able to experience firsthand at an information stand how samples are prepared for crystal structure analysis. Three colleagues from Nöthling’s team delighted attendees by preparing a delicious sorbet using liquid nitrogen and white peach juice from van Nahmen.
Among the attendees was Nöthling’s former chemistry teacher, who was impressed to see how far his former student’s interest and curiosity had taken him. Today, Nöthling serves as deputy head of the Department of Chemical Crystallography and Electron Microscopy. He is convinced: “Research remains essential, as it provides the knowledge we urgently need to address global challenges. Whether for climate protection, new medicines, or sustainable chemical processes—if we can understand molecules and reactions at the smallest scale and design them in a targeted way, we have a powerful tool in our hands.”
The “Heimspiel Wissenschaft” format fosters direct exchange between science and society. Since 2022, around 70 similar events have taken place across Germany- in barns, ice cream parlors, and community centers - bringing science into everyday settings. The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung thanks van Nahmen for their kind cooperation and outstanding support in making the event possible.
