A recent study at BESSY II used X-ray microscopy to investigate how nanoparticles interact with cells. Researchers found that nanoparticles can change the number and type of cell organelles, such as increasing mitochondria and decreasing lipid droplets. This suggests that different nanoparticle coatings may have similar effects on cells.
Physicists at HZB discovered a non-ferromagnetic phase in U2Pd2In crystals under high magnetic fields, with a structure containing 80 magnetic moments. The finding may help develop more precise theories for 5f electron systems and has implications for many other materials.
A team of researchers investigated electrode surfaces during charging and discharging using X-ray and neutron tomography methods. They found deformations, discontinuities, and areas with low electrolyte levels that affect battery performance. The analysis allows for the development of strategies to improve lithium battery design.
The EU Sharc25 project optimized conversion efficiency of CIGSe thin film technology through theoretical modeling, experimental characterization, and technological expertise sharing. The efficiency rose from 21.7 to 22.6 percent, thanks to post-processing with alkali elements.
A recent study found that perovskite solar cells absorb lead from the environment, with lead from these cells being ten times more bioavailable than from other industrial sources. This could have significant implications for the safety of these materials.
A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.
Scientists at HZB have measured the energy gap in a magnetically doped topological insulator, finding it to be five times larger than theoretically predicted. This discovery could lead to the creation of near-room-temperature Quantum Hall Effect devices and quantum processing units for quantum computers.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the crystalline structure of hybrid halide perovskites, which could lead to improved stability and efficiency. The study found that ferroelectric effects are possible in these materials, which could increase their efficiency.
Scientists used X-ray microscopy to study the digestive process of malaria parasites, revealing that they store hemoglobin in their digestive vacuole. The parasites then crystallize toxic hemozoin molecules, which active compounds may prevent from forming by disrupting their detoxification process.
Scientists have observed dynamic patterns of Skyrmions in a material called Cu2OSeO3, which can be controlled and manipulated using an external magnetic field. The research team used a novel technique to measure the dynamics of these skyrmions in detail for the first time.
Researchers visualize dynamic water transport in soil and roots using neutron tomography, gaining insights into efficient water use in crop cultivation. The technique enables faster imaging, overcoming previous limitations to study rapid processes.
The new sample holder allows for direct crystallization of proteins on the holder, eliminating the need for transfer and reducing damage risk. This innovation simplifies protein crystallography by grouping up to 24 sample holders onto one plate.
Researchers used neutron scattering to analyze battery electrode reactions and found that lithium sulphide forms on the outer surface of carbon fibres, not within microporous electrodes. This insight could improve battery development with higher energy density and longer lifespan.
Researchers have developed an analytical tool to design nano-antennae that can amplify electromagnetic fields of desired frequencies or polarizations. The corkscrew-shaped nano-antennae are highly sensitive to light, allowing for novel applications in information technology and sensor technology.
Scientists have developed a new imaging method called tomoscopy using synchrotron radiation to observe the foaming of liquid metals in great detail. This technique allows for the analysis of dynamic processes with high temporal resolution, providing insights into material distribution and pore formation.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin analyse fragile papyrus with nondestructive methods, detecting lead in blank patch and deciphering blurry image. A new technique allows them to study folded papyri without contact, opening doors for future studies on valuable finds.
A new coating of niobium-tin (Nb3Sn) has shown promise for reducing the cost of operating superconducting radio-frequency cavity resonators. The material could allow for operation at lower temperatures and withstand higher electromagnetic fields, saving millions in construction and electricity costs.
The oldest completely preserved lily, Cratolirion bognerianum, was found in Brazil with a 40cm length and well-preserved roots, flower, and individual cells. The discovery provides new insights into the diversity of tropical flowering plants 115 million years ago.
A team of researchers at HZB has investigated the fundamental photochemical processes around metal atoms and its ligands in transition-metal dyes. They found that charge carriers are not spatially separated as previously assumed, but rather undergo a rapid recombination process.
A team of scientists has developed a method to study ultrafast spin-flip scattering rates in ferromagnetic Nickel and nonmagnetic copper using X-ray emission spectroscopy. As temperature increases, ferromagnetic nickel shows a decrease in emissions due to increased electron-phonon interactions.
A new organic semiconductor material, triazine-based graphitic carbon nitride (TGCN), has been synthesized with a band gap of 1.7 electron volts, ideal for optoelectronics applications. The material exhibits high perpendicular conductivity, 65 times greater than planar conductivity.
Researchers have identified the main mechanism of photovoltage losses in copper oxide photocathodes as binding to defect states within the band gap, not at interfaces with a catalyst layer. This discovery is crucial for optimizing solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency.
Researchers developed stable inorganic perovskite semiconductors at moderate temperatures, enabling integration into thin-film solar cells. The optimized CsPbI3 layers showed an initial efficiency of over 12% and stable performance for over 1200 hours.
Researchers have identified a new thermoelectric material in tin selenide, which can convert 20% of heat into electrical energy, exceeding the efficiency of bismuth telluride. The material's crystal structure changes at high temperatures or pressures, producing a semi-metallic state that enhances its thermoelectric properties.
Researchers have decoded the structure of MHETase, an enzyme that breaks down PET plastics into their basic building blocks. This discovery paves the way for developing more efficient enzymes to recycle PET, a key step towards a circular economy and mitigating plastic waste.
Researchers discovered that amorphous molybdenum sulfide has the highest catalytic activity for producing hydrogen from sunlight. The catalyst improves its performance by releasing sulfur gas initially, leading to a more efficient water-splitting process.
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has contributed to the special edition on ultrafast dynamics with X-ray methods, focusing on photochemistry and material science. Femtoslicing and BESSY VSR methods have been classified, providing a comprehensive overview of current advances in generating ultra-short X-ray pulses.
Researchers used X-ray scattering to analyze nanoporous carbons produced under different synthesis conditions, revealing optimal pore size and shape requirements for electrochemical performance.
Researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to investigate liquid water's properties and found a continuous distribution model that describes near-tetrahedral liquid water at ambient conditions. This contradicts the existence of two separate phases in liquid water, supported by previous X-ray spectroscopic methods.
Scientists from France, Spain, and Germany show that applying an electric field can induce superferromagnetism in iron nanograins on a BaTiO3 substrate. This 'straintronics' approach offers a scalable, fast, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional magnetic memories.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding magnetic quantum effects in solids, finding that they only occur within narrow parameter ranges. The study sheds light on the behavior of spin systems at different temperatures and interaction parameters.
Scientists calculate that an area the size of Germany could suffice for artificial photosynthesis to remove 10 gigatonnes of CO2 per year. This technology could potentially balance climate carbon budget and reduce emissions. However, large investments in research and development are required to make it a reality.
Developed by HZB teams, the photocathodes exhibit high quantum efficiency and stability, crucial for superconducting electron sources. The new process delivers desired performance, with quantum efficiency remaining high even at low temperatures.
Scientists at BESSY II discovered that mixed iron complexes can convert sunlight into electricity by releasing charge carriers. The findings suggest a new direction for developing inexpensive transition-metal complexes suitable for use in solar cells.
Researchers have developed a new approach to improve the efficiency of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells by using textures and a polymer light management foil. This design achieved an efficiency of 25.5%, outperforming previous records, and has the potential to reach up to 32.5% with further improvements.
Researchers have identified a flat band area in graphene that is a prerequisite for superconductivity, but requires further assistance to achieve. The discovery uses high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and could lead to controlled band structure manipulation.
An interdisciplinary team will create a novel X-ray microscope to analyze bone microstructure in living individuals, enabling the study of osteoporosis and its progression. The '4D+ nanoSCOPE' will make it possible to monitor bones over time and assess the effects of aging and other factors on bone health.
Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can be used as photocatalysts to produce methanol from CO2 and water. The process requires UV light excitation but recent studies suggest that intermediate stages can be created in the band gap by doping with foreign atoms, enabling visible spectrum usage.
Blue phosphorus has been successfully mapped and measured by a team from HZB around Evangelos Golias, revealing a unique honeycomb structure and large semiconducting band gap of seven times larger than black phosphorus. The material's properties are influenced by the substrate, making it an essential parameter for optoelectronic applic...
A team developed a new method for measuring magnetic field lines inside massive samples, enabling three-dimensional images of complex magnetic fields. This non-destructive technique has diverse applications in basic research and industry, including material analysis and visualization of electric motors and propulsion systems.
Researchers at HZB integrated a thin layer of singlet fission-capable tetracene crystals into a silicon solar cell, successfully generating two pairs of charge carriers simultaneously. This breakthrough increases the quantum efficiency to 200 percent and brings the theoretical efficiency limit closer to 40 percent.
A team of researchers has investigated heat transport in a model system comprising nanometre-thin metallic and magnetic layers. The results showed that the heat is distributed much slower than expected, taking hundreds of times longer to reach thermal equilibrium.
Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed an ultra-stable turntable to capture fast 3D tomographic images at a rate of approximately 2000 projections per second. This breakthrough enables detailed analysis of material processing, such as pore formation in metallic foams.
Scientists have identified key defects in perovskite solar cells that limit their efficiency. The most harmful defects are found at the interfaces between the perovskite layer and charge transport layers, leading to recombination of charge carriers and energy losses.
Researchers used a novel experimental setup with quantum chemical calculations to understand organometallic catalysts. They were able to empirically test and validate calculations for oxidation and reduction processes on the entire molecule, providing new insights into redox processes in complex systems.
Researchers have achieved a direct solar water-splitting efficiency of 19.3%, surpassing the theoretical maximum of 23%. The innovation lies in a tandem cell made of III-V semiconductors and a crystalline titanium dioxide layer, which improves anti-reflection properties and enhances catalyst activity.
Researchers use neutron tomography to study teeth, root balls, batteries, and fuel cells with improved spatial resolution and faster image acquisition. This non-destructive method provides valuable information for optimizing material design.
The study found that the magnetic field orientation of magnetosomes is slightly tilted, deviating from the chain direction. This tilt may explain the helical shape of magnetosome chains, a crucial aspect of magnetotactic bacteria's internal compass construction.
Researchers discovered that kesterites with germanium exhibit lower point defects and disorder, leading to increased efficiency in solar cells. Germanium increases the optical band gap, allowing for more efficient sunlight conversion into electrical energy.
Researchers developed nanostructured polymeric carbon nitrides as catalysts for hydrogen production, increasing efficiency under visible light irradiation. The nanostructure with large pores and specific functionalities improved the catalytic properties, approaching that of inorganic catalysts.