Institute Electrochemical Energy Storage
Projects
Running Projects
FestPoLiS (BMBF)
FestPoLiS aims to improve the performance and stability of lithium–sulfur solid-state batteries by developing hybrid polymer electrolytes, using detailed structural and spectroscopic analysis. The project focuses on reducing operating temperature, suppressing the polysulfide shuttle effect, and enabling safe, high-performance Li/S pouch cells through operando and ex situ studies.
LiMorph (PhD Thesis)
LiMorph explores lithium metal morphology and interfacial evolution in Li–S batteries using real-time imaging and advanced spectroscopy to understand how different electrolytes affect anode stability. The research addresses key challenges such as the polysulfide shuttle effect and imaging limitations by applying operando X-ray and impedance techniques, covalent sulfur binding, and machine-learning-enhanced analysis.
OpMetBat (EU)
The OpMetBat project, funded by EURAMET and the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, aims to advance operando and hybrid metrology techniques for battery research by enabling real-time, multi-modal characterization of materials under dynamic operating conditions. By developing specialized operando cells and protocols, the project facilitates traceable, quantitative analysis that integrates electrochemical methods like EIS with spectroscopies such as NEXAFS, Raman, and UV/Vis, supporting the development of next-generation energy storage materials.
NaSeFest (BMBF)
The NaSeFest project focuses on advancing solid-state sodium-sulfur (ssNa||S) batteries, a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology due to their high theoretical capacities and reduced reliance on critical raw materials. To address key challenges like sulfur's volume changes and poor conductivity, the project developed a novel operando setup enabling real-time, high-pressure, and multimodal X-ray characterization, fostering deeper mechanistic understanding and broader applicability across solid-state battery systems.
PoLyLiS (DFG)
The PolyLiS project within the DFG-funded SPP 2248 aims to develop novel conductive, polymer-based cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries to suppress sulfur migration and improve cycle stability, combining synthesis, operando multi-spectroscopy, and theoretical modeling. A custom-designed CR2032 coin cell enables simultaneous UV-Vis, Raman, and impedance spectroscopy under real operating conditions, providing insights into polysulfide behavior and interfacial mechanisms.
BATIX (HiACTS)
The BATIXS project aims to develop an in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy platform at synchrotron beamlines to investigate electrolyte/electrode interfaces in advanced battery systems, in collaboration with E-Lyte Innovations. By enabling direct interface analysis and fostering academia-industry cooperation, the project supports the HiACTS mission to make cutting-edge research infrastructure accessible for industrial innovation in battery technology.
SoTeXS (BMBF)
The SoTeXS project at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin establishes a state-of-the-art beamline for operando soft-to-tender X-ray spectroscopy (0.5–5 keV), enabling high-precision, multimodal analysis of battery materials and degradation mechanisms during operation. With unique instrumentation, AI-supported data analysis, and strong industrial and academic partnerships, SoTeXS will play a central role in advancing sustainable energy storage technologies and industrial metrology.
Finished Projects
HiPoLiS (BMBF)
HiPoLiS aims to enhance the understanding of degradation mechanisms in Li/S batteries (coin cells and pouch cells) and to develop an advanced operando measurement setup for pouch cells, building on proven methods used for coin cells.
SkaLiS (BMBF)
The SkaLiS project aims to develop high-performance lithium-sulfur pouch cells with enhanced cycle life and energy density by combining novel porous carbon particles, optimized cathode structuring, and tailored electrolyte additives. A feedback loop between material synthesis, cell assembly, and operando/ex-situ analysis ensures targeted improvements and industrial relevance, with contributions from HZB, TU Berlin, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, TU Dresden, and Fraunhofer IWS.