Methods and concepts for material development
Energy materials have to be able to withstand extreme stresses and perform their function both reliably and maximally efficient over extended periods of time. For production of new kinds of materials with the desired properties, elaborate atomic-scale simulations and measuring processes are essential.
HZB experts are studying physical processes that limit the efficiency and stability of solar cells, photocatalytic building elements, and materials for thermoelectric energy generation. The new EMIL lab facility at BESSY II will allow for observation of thin film growth without vacuum interference. This way, building elements will be able to be developed at a much faster rate.
Research goal
To develop new kinds of solar material and coating systems.
Competencies
Comprehensive analytics, including EPR spectroscopy in the MHz to THz range (both in the lab and at BESSY II)
Infrastructures
- BESSY II: EMIL, EPR
- BER II: Neutron scattering and tomography
Contributions of HZB organisational units
- Carbon materials for solar fuel production
- Combined approach to analysis and optimization in thin-film PV technology
- Fuel Cells
- Injection kinetics at dye-sensitized semiconductor interfaces
- Investigations of structure-function relationships in energy conversion materials
- Laboratory for Synthesis
- Laboratory for TE-Transport
- Mesoporous silicon
- Nanostructured Thermoelectrics
- Operando Characterization of Solar Fuel Materials
- Photoinduced charge separation dynamics in carbon nitride
- Proton and Oxygen conducting materials
- Real-time Growth Analysis of Thin Film Semiconductors
- Relaxation dynamics of transition-metal coordination complexes in solutions
- RIXS Spectrometer PEAXIS
- Skutterudites
- TAS Spectrometer FLEXX
- Thermoelectric Oxides
- Thermoelectrics
- Thin films and gas separation membranes
- X-ray analysis with high-flux MetalJet sources
- X-ray diffractometer ETA - in service for structure determination