  Baxter's Q-operator for the quantum transfer matrix of the XXZ spin-chain is
constructed employing the representation theory of quantum groups. The spectrum
of this Q-operator is discussed and novel functional relations which describe
the finite temperature regime of the XXZ spin-chain are derived. For
non-vanishing magnetic field the previously known Bethe ansatz equations can be
replaced by a system of quadratic equations which is an important advantage for
numerical studies. For vanishing magnetic field and rational coupling values it
is argued that the quantum transfer matrix exhibits a loop algebra symmetry
closely related to the one of the classical six-vertex transfer matrix at roots
of unity.
