Senior researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Germany
Dr. Krassimir Garbev is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Technical Chemistry (ITC), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, where he has worked since 1997. His scientific focus lies in advanced materials chemistry, particularly in the development and structural characterization of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and sustainable cementitious materials. He played a key role in the development of “Celitement,” an innovative low-CO₂ cement. With a Ph.D. from the University of Heidelberg and a Master’s in Geology and Geochemistry from Sofia University, Dr. Garbev has contributed over two decades to mineralogical studies, hydrothermal synthesis, and in situ characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman, and IR spectroscopy. His interdisciplinary work supports advancements in construction materials, nuclear waste immobilization, and environmental sustainability. He is also actively involved in international collaborations and has published extensively in top-tier journals related to cement chemistry, geochemistry, and crystallography.
Professional Profile
Orcid
Scopus
Education
Dr. Krassimir Garbev holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Germany (1997–2003). His doctoral research focused on “Mineralogy, structure, properties and quantitative Rietveld analysis of calcium silicate hydrates crystallized under hydrothermal conditions,” laying the foundation for his long-standing contributions to cement chemistry and materials science. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Science in Geology and Geochemistry from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria (1985–1992), where he conducted comparative studies on tourmaline types for his thesis in Mineralogy. His education combines solid theoretical knowledge in crystallography, mineralogy, and geochemistry with applied research in materials engineering, equipping him with unique expertise in both natural and synthetic silicate systems. His academic background strongly supports his innovative work in developing sustainable building materials and understanding mineral phase transformations.
Professional Experience
Since May 1997, Dr. Krassimir Garbev has served as a Senior Researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technical Chemistry, Germany. He specializes in the synthesis and structural characterization of crystalline and nanocrystalline C-S-H phases, recycling concrete waste, and investigating hydrothermal reactions. His research involves developing high-performance, low-carbon materials like Celitement and innovating methods for in situ analysis using synchrotron XRD, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Between 1992 and 1993, he worked at the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, focusing on electron microscopy. Dr. Garbev is also responsible for implementing advanced spectroscopic and diffraction methods, supporting both academic and industrial research projects. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges fundamental mineralogy and applied engineering, contributing to sustainable construction, CO₂ mitigation, and nuclear waste immobilization. His experience includes supervising experiments under extreme conditions and collaborating on EU-funded and industry-linked research initiatives.
Awards and Honors
While specific named awards are not explicitly listed in the available data, Dr. Krassimir Garbev’s scientific contributions have been widely recognized through high-impact collaborations, authorship in top-tier journals (such as Cement and Concrete Research, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, and Applied Geochemistry), and inclusion in prestigious multidisciplinary research programs in Germany and Europe. His leadership in the development of Celitement, a novel eco-friendly cement, represents a significant innovation in sustainable construction. He is a trusted peer reviewer for key journals, including Cement and Concrete Research, reflecting his standing in the international materials science community. His ORCID and Crossref profiles showcase over 50 peer-reviewed publications with global collaborations. Dr. Garbev’s research is regularly presented at international conferences, including Goldschmidt, further underlining his professional recognition. His long-term tenure at KIT further evidences his sustained impact and trust within academic and industrial research environments.
Research Interests
Dr. Krassimir Garbev’s research interests center on calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) chemistry, particularly the synthesis, structure, and stability of nano- and crystalline C-S-H phases formed under hydrothermal conditions. He is deeply engaged in developing sustainable cementitious materials, including the industrially relevant “Celitement” with reduced carbon footprints. Other research areas include phase transformations in the CaO–SiO₂–H₂O system, chemical recycling of concrete and autoclaved aerated concrete, and hydrothermal treatment of waste materials. He employs in situ analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy, utilizing both conventional and synchrotron radiation. His expertise extends to quantitative mineralogical analysis (Rietveld refinement), zeolite synthesis, carbon capture processes, and the interaction of cementitious phases with radionuclides for nuclear waste immobilization. His interdisciplinary approach bridges solid-state chemistry, environmental science, and engineering, aiming for innovations in sustainable building practices and geochemical process understanding.
Publication Top Notes
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Structural characterization of amorphous hydrous Zr(IV) oxide under hydrothermal conditions – Applied Geochemistry, 2025
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Study on organo-silica-derived membranes using a Robeson-like plot – Membranes, 2025
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Direct dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde over ZnO–SiO₂ catalysts – Catalysis Science & Technology, 2024
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Thermodynamics of Eu(III) systems: solubility and Pitzer model – Dalton Transactions, 2024
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Mixed-matrix organo–silica–hydrotalcite membranes for CO₂ separation, Parts 1 & 2 – Membranes, 2024
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Accelerated carbonation of hardened cement paste via ATR-IR – Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 2024
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Belite cement clinker from autoclaved aerated concrete waste – ce/papers, 2023
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Zeolite MMU-1 synthesis in presence of cesium – Crystal Growth & Design, 2023
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Chlorellestadite formation and carbonation of belite clinker – Minerals, 2022
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Solubility of Nb(V) in cementitious systems for nuclear waste – Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2022
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In situ XRD of Ca₂SiO₄ and ternesite formation in recycled concrete – Minerals, 2021
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Development of catalytic ceramic filters for VOC and tar conversion – Fuel Communications, 2021
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Coordination environment of Si in C-S-H and slags via XANES – Cement and Concrete Research, 2021
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Thermal stability and structural modeling of C-S-H phases – Cement and Concrete Research, 2017
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Surface carbonation studies of C-S-H phases using XPS – Cement and Concrete Research, 2008
Conclusion
Dr. Krassimir Garbev is a distinguished materials scientist whose work bridges mineralogy, sustainable construction, and applied chemistry. With deep expertise in calcium silicate hydrates, hydrothermal processes, and green cement technologies, he contributes significantly to sustainable materials development and environmental safety. His long-term role at KIT, robust publication record, and active scientific engagement make him a respected leader in his field.