HZB magazine lichtblick - the new issue is out!
In his search for the perfect catalyst, HZB researcher Robert Seidel is now getting a tailwind – thanks to a ERC Consolidator Grant. In the cover story, we explain why the X-ray source BESSY II plays an important role for his research.
Bernd Rech has just started his second term of office. What are his plans? In this interview, he reveals the role that basic research plays, but also why a good working atmosphere is important to him. Read more on page 8.
Click here for the online issue
Topics include:
- p. 4 Robert Seidel - In search of the perfect catalyst
- p. 3: Three questions for Thomas Frederking
- p. 8: Interview with Bernd Rech on his second term of office
- p. 12: Opening of HiPOLE in Jena
- p. 16: Science meets art - two projects presented
- p. 20: One year after the cyber attack - what have we learnt?
- p. 26: Research on the neutron instruments continues
- p. 28: New dual leadership for BESSY II
- p. 30: Recipe from all over the world
We hope you enjoy reading this issue! As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for topics.
Your editorial team
- 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.
- Shedding light on insulators: how light pulses unfreeze electronsMetal oxides are abundant in nature and central to technologies such as photocatalysis and photovoltaics. Yet, many suffer from poor electrical conduction, caused by strong repulsion between electrons in neighboring metal atoms. Researchers at HZB and partner institutions have shown that light pulses can temporarily weaken these repulsive forces, lowering the energy required for electrons mobility, inducing a metal-like behavior. This discovery offers a new way to manipulate material properties with light, with high potential to more efficient light-based devices.