HZB & IKZ bundle their competencies In crystalline energy and quantum materials
The participants after signing the cooperation agreement between IKZ and HZB in corona-conform distance: (from left to right) Dr. Andreas Popp (IKZ), Dr. Manuela Urban (FVB), Dr. Peter Gaal (IKZ), Prof. Dr. Catherine Dubourdieu (HZB), Prof. Dr. Thomas Schröder (IKZ), Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech (HZB), Thomas Frederking (HZB). © Sandra Fischer/HZB
On September 11, 2020, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) signed a cooperation agreement to advance joint research on energy and quantum materials. As part of the cooperation, new types of X-ray optics for synchrotron radiation sources are also being developed.
IKZ and HZB share a long history of joint collaboration: IKZ scientists use the BESSY II radiation source from the HZB on a regular basis for their material science studies. In turn, the crystal growers of the IKZ develop and manufacture components that bring out the special properties of BESSY II.
"We are very pleased that we can strengthen our close cooperation with the cooperation agreement,” says Prof. Bernd Rech, scientific director at the HZB. “At BESSY II we offer a variety of x-ray analytical methods for the analysis of complex material systems. As part of our cooperation, we can use our complementary competencies specifically to jointly develop research areas in energy research and quantum technologies.”
Prof. Thomas Schröder, scientific director at the IKZ, also emphasizes the opportunities that the cooperation between the two research institutions allows: “The IKZ is very interested in initiating joint R&D projects on materials for photovoltaics and power electronics with the scientists of the HZB to maximize our impact in this research area.“ Since Prof. Schröder himself spent part of his career in synchrotron research, there is also a personal affinity towards materials and methods development for large-scale research facilities. “Today I am very happy that IKZ can start new R&D projects with BESSY II in order to support the synchrotron sources with our crystalline materials, for example through active and passive X-ray optics.”
Short description of IKZ:
The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung in Berlin-Adlershof is an international competence center for science, technology, service and transfer in the field of crystalline materials. The research and development spectrum ranges from basic and applied research to pre-industrial research tasks. The IKZ develops innovations in crystalline materials through its expertise in plant engineering, numerical simulation and crystal growth to achieve crystalline materials of the highest quality with tailored properties. The unique selling point of the institute is the research on volume crystals. This work is accompanied by research and development on nanostructures and thin films as well as strong theoretical and experimental research into materials.
- Ernst Eckhard Koch Prize and Innovation Award on Synchrotron Radiation 2025At the 27th BESSY@HZB User Meeting, the Friends of HZB honoured the dissertation of Dr Enggar Pramanto Wibowo (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg). The Innovation Award on Synchrotron Radiation 2025 went to Prof. Tim Salditt (Georg-August-University Göttingen) and Professors Danny D. Jonigk and Maximilian Ackermann (both, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen University).
- Bright prospects for tin perovskite solar cellsPerovskite solar cells are widely regarded as the next generation photovoltaic technology. However, they are not yet stable enough in the long term for widespread commercial use. One reason for this is migrating ions, which cause degradation of the semiconducting material over time. A team from HZB and the University of Potsdam has now investigated the ion density in four different, widely used perovskite compounds and discovered significant differences. Tin perovskite semiconductors produced with an alternative solvent had a particular low ion density — only one tenth that of lead perovskite semiconductors. This suggests that tin-based perovskites could be used to make solar cells that are not only really environmentally friendly but also very stable.
- Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologiesSynchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.