Two Freigeist Fellows interweave their research at HZB
Fabian Weber (right) is investigating the dynamics of electron processes within graphene-oxide quantum dots as a member of the team headed by Dr. Annika Bande (left). Quantum dots like these as catalysts could help make solar water splitting more efficient. Using Weber’s theoretical model, a much greater amount of information can be obtained from the empirical data gathered by the group headed by Dr. Tristan Petit. © HZB
Initial calculations show how the electron density changes over a graphene oxide nanoparticle in solution. The electron density is below average in the areas shown in red, while it is above average in the blue areas. The graphene particle is made of carbon atoms (black) that bind in some places to the oxygen (red) , or in some to the hydrogen (white). © Fabian Weber
Two Freigeist Fellows are conducting research at the HZB Institute for Methods of Material Development through support received from the Volkswagen Foundation. Theoretical chemist Dr. Annika Bande is modelling fast electron processes, while Dr. Tristan Petit is investigating carbon nanoparticles. Annika Bande has now been awarded an ancillary grant of an additional 150,000 Euros from the Volkswagen Foundation to fund another doctoral student position for three years. The doctoral research will connect the two Freigeist research projects with one another.
Doctoral student Fabian Weber is working in Bande’s theory group and will be carrying out electron transfer calculations in a material system being investigated by Petit and his team. “We are concentrating on a special class of what are known as quantum dots, made of graphene oxide nanoparticles”, explains Weber. The group headed by Petit will be analysing nano-graphene oxide using various spectroscopic methods.
Catalyst for solar hydrogen
This is because graphene-oxide nanoparticles are good catalysts, as well for splitting water using solar energy and generating hydrogen. Hydrogen is a versatile energy medium that can be utilised as fuel or to generate environmentally friendly electric power in a fuel cell.
Understanding the system
With the help of theoretical modelling, the empirical data obtained on nanoparticles of graphene oxides can yield considerably more information and also new insights into the ultrafast dynamics of hydrogen bonding. “We start with existing theories and see how we can use them to model exactly what happens with the transfer of electrons during a catalytic reaction”, explains Annika Bande. “We are able to compare our ideas directly with the empirical results in this research project and really come to better understand the system. In addition, the topic is extremely important – not just for purposes of pure research, but also for ensuring society’s energy supply.”
- Helmholtz Doctoral Award for Hanna TrzesniowskiDuring her doctoral studies at the Helmholtz Centre Berlin, Hanna Trzesniowski conducted research on nickel-based electrocatalysts for water splitting. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of alkaline water electrolysis and paves the way for the development of more efficient and stable catalysts. On 8 July 2025, she received the Helmholtz Doctoral Prize, which honours the best and most original doctoral theses in the Helmholtz Association.
- New department at HZB: ‘AI and Biomolecular Structures’Since 1 July 2025, Dr. Andrea Thorn has been setting up the new AI and Biomolecular Structures department at HZB. A biophysicist with many years of experience in AI-based tools for structural biology, she is looking forward to collaborating closely with the macromolecular crystallography team at the MX beamlines of BESSY II.
- Almost 4,000 People at the Long Night of the Sciences at HZBHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin was delighted to welcome nearly 4,000 visitors to its Adlershof campus for the Long Night of the Sciences. It was a fantastic celebration of science, and we thank all our guests for their great interest.