On 16 May 2022, HZB received a delegation from the Brazilian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Innovation.
© K. Fuchs / HZB
A high-ranking Brazilian delegation visited HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
© K. Fuchs / HZB
On 16 May 2022, HZB received a delegation from the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). Vice-Minister of Science Sergio Freitas de Almeida was visibly impressed by the many research activities being done at HZB to drive the transition to a climate-neutral energy supply in society forward.
The delegation visited HZB in advance of the 9th German–Brazilian Dialogue on Science, taking place from 17 to 20 May 2022 in Berlin. Vice-Minister Sergio Freitas de Almeida was accompanied by State Secretaries José Gontijo (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) and Marcelo Morales (Research and Scientific Training) along with other government representatives.
The delegation toured the X-ray source BESSY II which, of course, is also available to Brazilian researchers. The energy research laboratory EMIL and the new research platform for catalysis research CatLab were also on the tour programme. New catalysts are a key component for producing green hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as alternative, sustainable fuels and green raw materials for the chemical industry. The interest of the Brazilian delegation in the development of hydrogen technologies was very high. They were also very interested in cooperation between their light source SIRIUS in Campinas (Sao Paolo) and BESSY II in Berlin.
The discussions with representatives of the Brazilian government inspired all participants to strengthen cooperation in the area of research.
- A new way to control the magnetic properties of rare earth elementsThe special properties of rare earth magnetic materials are due to the electrons in the 4f shell. Until now, the magnetic properties of 4f electrons were considered almost impossible to control. Now, a team from HZB, Freie Universität Berlin and other institutions has shown for the first time that laser pulses can influence 4f electrons- and thus change their magnetic properties. The discovery, which was made through experiments at EuXFEL and FLASH, opens up a new way to data storage with rare earth elements.
- BESSY II shows how solid-state batteries degradeSolid-state batteries have several advantages: they can store more energy and are safer than batteries with liquid electrolytes. However, they do not last as long and their capacity decreases with each charge cycle. But it doesn't have to stay that way: Researchers are already on the trail of the causes. In the journal ACS Energy Letters, a team from HZB and Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, presents a new method for precisely monitoring electrochemical reactions during the operation of a solid-state battery using photoelectron spectroscopy at BESSY II. The results help to improve battery materials and design.
- From waste to value: The right electrolytes can enhance glycerol oxidationWhen biomass is converted into biodiesel, huge amounts of glycerol are produced as a by-product. So far, however, this by-product has been little utilised, even though it could be processed into more valuable chemicals through oxidation in photoelectrochemical reactors. The reason for this: low efficiency and selectivity. A team led by Dr Marco Favaro from the Institute for Solar Fuels at HZB has now investigated the influence of electrolytes on the efficiency of the glycerol oxidation reaction. The results can help to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes.