Researchers at BESSY II have discovered complex superstructures '29'Cu_xO, which form before pure copper oxide builds up. The oxidation state of copper in these superstructures is surprisingly close to the metallic state, contradicting conventional assumptions.
Scientists at HZB developed a solution to improve perovskite growth on textured silicon substrates, using a caesium chloride seed layer to enhance uniformity and prevent lead iodide formation. This boosts efficiency in tandem solar cells to record values.
Fractons, exotic quasi-particles, have been detected in a quantum solid-state model, paving the way for experimental verification. Theoretical physicists had predicted their existence in various systems, including quantum spin liquids, using highly generalised gauge field theories.
A team at HZB Institute for Solar Fuels has observed the movement of ions and dissolved gases within electrolytes during electrolysis using 2D fluorescence imaging and particle velocimetry. The study found that pH gradients form within the volume, not just near surfaces, and increasing buffer ion concentration can mitigate this issue.
A new carborane-based material has been developed to improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The material offers several advantages, including lower energy requirements for deposition and reduced losses at the interface between the C60 layer and the perovskite absorber.
Researchers developed a new molecular strategy to control the critical interface in perovskite solar cells, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 26.19%. The approach reduced interfacial disorder and nonradiative voltage losses while improving charge carrier transport.
A novel measurement cell enables in-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements under high pressures and temperatures, providing new insights into thermocatalytic processes such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The setup is suitable for investigating catalytic gas-solid reactions under realistic operating conditions.
Researchers at HZB developed a novel perovskite triple-junction solar cell with a GO/SAM bilayer, achieving an efficiency of 27.3% and retaining over 90% of its original efficiency after 770 hours. This study demonstrates the potential of all-perovskite multi-junction solar cells for high power conversion efficiencies.
Researchers have developed micro-flowers that focus applied magnetic fields into central regions, increasing local field strength and enabling imaging of previously inaccessible systems. This innovation expands the range of applications for nanoscale magnetic microscopy, including spintronics and nanometric materials.
A new record for a CIGS-perovskite tandem solar cell has been set with an efficiency of 25.5%, converting 25.5% of sunlight into electrical energy. The team achieved this efficiency through the use of optimized intermediate layers and a combination of CIGS and perovskite materials.
Intrinsic disorder in CuInSnS₄ influences its optical properties, with excitons showing direction-dependent responses. The discovery sheds light on the relationship between disorder and material properties.
A new study identifies key degradation mechanisms in perovskite solar cells, including phase segregation, copper corrosion, and edge patterns. Accelerated aging tests can accelerate these processes, but may not reflect real-world degradation.
The new superconducting TES array spectrometer at BESSY II offers unparalleled efficiency in detecting X-ray photons, enabling research on atomically thin layers and highly diluted samples. This breakthrough complements existing techniques like ARPES, providing new insights into molecular chemistry and quantum properties.
The ASCEND project aims to develop next-generation catalysts using AI, simulations, and nanotechnology. The five-year initiative accelerates scientific experimentation and enables more sustainable chemical processes.
Researchers used X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze the paint layers of Mercker's 'Die Stätte des 9. November', revealing Nazi symbols covered up in oil paints containing titanium white. The study sheds light on the collaboration between artists and the Nazi regime during this period.
Applying a magnetic field during catalyst synthesis triples the ammonia yield, making catalytically active sites more accessible. The study demonstrates a scalable strategy for developing next-generation electrocatalysts for efficient and sustainable chemical production.
The article discusses how materials chemistry is transforming the synthesis of electrocatalysts, enabling more efficient and sustainable energy conversion. Researchers highlight the importance of controlling material properties during synthesis to predict and reproduce desired outcomes.
Researchers demonstrated how imaging ellipsometry can monitor MXene thin film properties throughout processing without damaging the device. The method provides direct access to material characteristics such as thickness, composition, and charge-transport properties.
Scientists analyzed a TiS2|Li3YCl6 half-cell in operando at BESSY II and discovered that intrinsic oxygen causes rapid capacity loss. Oxygen-containing species migrate to the cathode current collector, forming an amorphous layer rich in titanium oxides.
A team has successfully tracked the rapid change in magnetic order in a ferro-antiferromagnetic bilayer system after a short laser pulse excited the system. The study, conducted at BESSY II, reveals that the excitation is transported from hot electrons in the ferromagnetic metal to spins in the antiferromagnet.
Researchers developed a powerful model to understand charge separation at the interface, influencing catalytic activity. The model provides insights into the formation of electric double layers and local electric potential variations.
Researchers at BESSY II discovered a new method to investigate hydroxyl radicals, gaining surprising insights into their reaction pathway. They found that the proton of the hydroxyl radical reacts with TEMPO first, revealing an unexpected intermediate state.
The €30 million ASCEND project aims to accelerate catalyst discovery using Digital Catalysis and thin-film technologies. By combining AI with physical synthesis and stress testing, the project seeks to unlock performance breakthroughs for commercially viable large-scale deployment of green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals.
The Berlin Battery Lab brings together top-level research institutions to develop and test resource-efficient battery technologies, focusing on sodium-based systems. The lab aims to accelerate the transfer from research to application, supporting the development of locally produced, sustainable battery technologies.
Researchers have quantified zinc concentration in teeth using 3D X-ray tomography systems. They found a sharp increase in zinc concentration from the outside to the inside of the tooth, particularly near the pulp. This study has implications for dental care and material selection.
A Bronze Age sword from Bavaria was analyzed at Berlin X-ray source BESSY II to gain insights into the region's material craftsmanship. The study provides valuable information on the tools and techniques used during the Middle Bronze Age in southern Germany.
Researchers have uncovered a dense network of magnetic nodal lines in cobalt, which are intrinsically spin-polarised and give rise to fast, topologically robust charge carriers. These unique properties open new perspectives for exploiting magnetic topological states in future information technologies.
Researchers have discovered two distinct redox reactions in MXene flakes depending on the electrolyte, providing insights into charge transfer processes at the nanoscale. This finding lays the groundwork for optimizing pseudocapacitive energy storage devices with high storage capacity and speed.
High-energy electrons can break down PFAS compounds through radiolysis, and an SRF photoinjector-based accelerator has shown feasibility in a recent study. The technology offers a compact solution for treating PFAS-contaminated water at potentially lower costs.
A new study found that tin-perovskite solar cells have significantly lower ion density and degrade five times slower than lead-based cells. The tin material also exhibits excellent stability during operation, paving the way for developing innovative thin-film solar cells.
Synchrotron radiation sources provide a toolkit for characterizing quantum materials and devices, enabling precise control over quantum systems. Key methods include non-destructive imaging and X-ray diffraction.
Researchers discovered that peat-based iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts exhibit exceptional efficiency and selectivity in oxygen reduction reactions. The microstructure of these catalysts plays a crucial role in promoting the desired electrochemical reactions.
Researchers used X-rays to investigate the impact of ocean acidification on corals' early skeleton development. They found that acidification affects the formation and structure of the coral's skeleton, with significant implications for marine ecosystems.
A novel coating at the interface between perovskite and top contact layer boosts efficiency to almost 27% and increases stability by 2,000 hours under standard illumination. The fluorinated compound forms a protective barrier, reducing defects and losses.
A team of scientists measured the energy of charge carrier pairs in undoped La₂CuO₄ and found that the interaction energies within the potentially superconducting copper oxide layers are significantly lower than those in insulating lanthanum oxide layers. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of high-temperature supercon...
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have published an overview of hybrid electrocatalysis, a method that produces both green hydrogen and valuable organic compounds. Advanced methods such as X-ray absorption and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry enable real-time analysis of complex catalytic reactions.
Researchers at BESSY II successfully demonstrated the one-dimensional electronic properties of phosphorus chains through experimental analysis. Calculations predict a phase transition from semiconductor to metal as the density of the chain array increases.
A team of scientists mapped the magnetic domains on a giant magnetofossil and found that it could sense tiny variations in the Earth's magnetic field, enabling navigation. The discovery suggests that ancient marine organisms may have used a biological compass system.
A team from HZB and Humboldt University used nano-IR spectroscopy to create high-resolution maps of molecules inside live cells and cell organelles. The method allowed them to obtain 3D information, read individual contributions of proteins and nucleic acids, and visualize the nucleus and cell organelles.
A team of researchers has developed a new material that enhances the capacity and stability of lithium-sulphur batteries by trapping polysulphides in open pores, reducing battery life shortening. The material improves Li-S battery performance to over 1,500 cycles with minimal capacity loss.
Researchers studied Pt-Rh nanoparticles at BESSY II, gaining insights into changes in catalyst's surface during operation. Rhodium can partially diffuse into platinum cores during catalysis, with reaction rates varying depending on surface orientation and environment.
Light pulses have been shown to temporarily weaken repulsive forces between electrons in neighboring metal atoms, allowing for more efficient electron mobility. This discovery offers a new way to manipulate material properties with light, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy conversion and other applications.
An international team investigated MXene with confined water and ions, discovering a reversible transition from metallic to semiconducting behavior of the film. The intercalated water structure drives this change, which could lead to novel devices or sensors.
Scientists used operando neutron tomography to visualize the dynamic wetting of lithium-sulphur pouch cells, gaining insights into cell failure mechanisms. The study found that discharge/charge processes improve electrolyte homogeneity, promoting electrochemical activation and enhanced capacity.
Researchers have discovered a phenothiazine-based self-assembled monolayer that reduces losses in tin perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency of 8.2%. This breakthrough paves the way for further improvements to pure tin perovskite tandem solar cells.
Standard perovskite solar cells perform well during summer months but decline in efficiency during darker periods. Small-scale perovskite cells can achieve up to 26.95% efficiency under standard conditions.
A team at HZB used 3D X-ray tomography to create a digital copy of a Mongolian scroll, then virtually unrolled it using mathematical methods, revealing the scripture and ink traces. The scrolls contained Tibetan script in Sanskrit language and traditional Chinese ink with metal particles.
Researchers have developed a new storage mechanism for cathode materials that enables faster charging and discharging processes. This approach jointly stores ions and solvents, reducing the impact of 'breathing' on battery life.
Researchers at HZB have developed MXene-based catalysts that significantly enhance the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolysis, a crucial step for producing green hydrogen. The study found that embedding catalytically active particles into the flaky structure of MXenes increases the reaction's efficiency.
Researchers have developed highly sensitive X-ray detectors using green fabrication methods, surpassing commercial detectors in both sensitivity and long-term stability. The new materials, which can be produced without solvents through ball milling, enable lower radiation exposure during medical imaging procedures.