More than 300 Scientists at SRF 2009 in Berlin
International Conference on RF-Superconductivity and Accelerator Physics was a great success!
International Conference on RF-Superconductivity and Accelerator Physics was a great success! The HZB hosted an important international conference, SRF 2009 (International Conference of Radiofrequency Superconductivity) from September 20 to 25. Professor Dr. Anke Rita Kaysser-Pyzalla welcomed the interested scientists in her opening speech at dbb Forum in Berlin. The number of attendants exceeded all expectations. More than 300 scientists took advantage of this opportunity to discuss the latest results in SRF research and technology development.
RF superconductivity has evolved over the last decades into the enabling technology for many accelerators for particle physics, nuclear physics and, increasingly, light sources. The European Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) in Hamburg and the recently commissioned Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge, USA are exciting examples of the varied applications of SRF.
The SRF 2009 was organised by HZB in cooperation with the Forschungszentrum Dresden - Rossendorf. In Rossendorf, 13 tutorial sessions were held from 17th to 19th of September. Notable professionals passed on their extensive knowledge and experience in the field of SRF to about 90 participating scientists.
Please click here for more information on the SRF 2009: http://srf2009.helmholtz-berlin.de
- Porous Radical Organic framework improves lithium-sulphur batteriesA team led by Prof. Yan Lu, HZB, and Prof. Arne Thomas, Technical University of Berlin, has developed a material that enhances the capacity and stability of lithium-sulphur batteries. The material is based on polymers that form a framework with open pores (known as radical-cationic covalent organic frameworks or COFs). Catalytically accelerated reactions take place in these pores, firmly trapping polysulphides, which would shorten the battery life. Some of the experimental analyses were conducted at the BAMline at BESSY II.
- Metallic nanocatalysts: what really happens during catalysisUsing a combination of spectromicroscopy at BESSY II and microscopic analyses at DESY's NanoLab, a team has gained new insights into the chemical behaviour of nanocatalysts during catalysis. The nanoparticles consisted of a platinum core with a rhodium shell. This configuration allows a better understanding of structural changes in, for example, rhodium-platinum catalysts for emission control. The results show that under typical catalytic conditions, some of the rhodium in the shell can diffuse into the interior of the nanoparticles. However, most of it remains on the surface and oxidises. This process is strongly dependent on the surface orientation of the nanoparticle facets.
- Key technology for a future without fossil fuelsIn June and July 2025, catalyst researcher Nico Fischer spent some time at HZB. It was his sabbatical, he was relieved of his duties as Director of the Catalysis Institute in Cape Town for several months and was able to focus on research only. His institute is collaborating with HZB on two projects that aim to develop environmentally friendly alternatives using innovative catalyst technologies. The questions were asked by Antonia Rötger, HZB.