Joint Research Group Operando Battery Analysis

Joint Research Group Operando Battery Analysis

The “Operando Battery Analysis” research group is a joint initiative of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, led by Prof. Philipp Adelhelm. Its goal is to study batteries under real operating conditions—during charging and discharging.

In a battery, many components interact closely: electrode materials, electrolytes, and interfaces determine key properties such as energy density, fast-charging capability, sustainability, safety, and lifetime. The choice of materials is therefore crucial.

To better understand these complex relationships, the group investigates batteries directly during operation over many charge–discharge cycles. This involves combining electrochemical measurements with advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry (DEMS), X-ray diffraction, and studies using synchrotron radiation (e.g., at BESSY II).

The research focuses on materials for various battery technologies, particularly sustainable sodium-ion batteries, as well as metal–sulfur and solid-state batteries. The group is closely connected with other research activities within the Berlin Battery Lab.