HZB and ANSTO have extended their Memorandum of Understanding
ANSTO: Adi Paterson and Simone Richter, HZB: Prof Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla and Thomas Frederking. © ANSTO
Advancing energy materials research together
The heads of the HZB and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) recently have considerably extended the Memorandum of Understanding existing between the two institutions since 2015. They intend to further enhance their cooperation particularly in the area of energy materials research.
The memorandum comprises agreements on the exchange of personnel, advanced training, and reciprocal access to instruments located at the large-scale facilities of ANSTO and the HZB. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) research hub is located near Sydney, operating a synchrotron source as well as other infrastructures including the OPAL research reactor and Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering. ANSTO will be taking over the BioRef-Reflektometer for conducting research on soft matter and solid-state/liquid interfaces from BER II, the Berlin-based neutron source that will be shut down at the end of 2019. It will be available to the user community beginning 2018 under the name “Spatz” (German for “sparrow”). ANSTO is also active in the field of accelerator research, one in which HZB has likewise attained an international reputation.
Moreover, HZB has enhanced its collaboration with other leading Australian institutions. In summer 2016, Monash University appointed three HZB scientists from the field of energy materials research as adjunct professors.
More Information on ANSTO: http://www.ansto.gov.au
- Battery research with the HZB X-ray microscopeNew cathode materials are being developed to further increase the capacity of lithium batteries. Multilayer lithium-rich transition metal oxides (LRTMOs) offer particularly high energy density. However, their capacity decreases with each charging cycle due to structural and chemical changes. Using X-ray methods at BESSY II, teams from several Chinese research institutions have now investigated these changes for the first time with highest precision: at the unique X-ray microscope, they were able to observe morphological and structural developments on the nanometre scale and also clarify chemical changes.
- Hydrogen: Breakthrough in alkaline membrane electrolysersA team from the Technical University of Berlin, HZB, IMTEK (University of Freiburg) and Siemens Energy has developed a highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyser that approaches the performance of established PEM electrolysers. What makes this achievement remarkable is the use of inexpensive nickel compounds for the anode catalyst, replacing costly and rare iridium. At BESSY II, the team was able to elucidate the catalytic processes in detail using operando measurements, and a theory team (USA, Singapore) provided a consistent molecular description. In Freiburg, prototype cells were built using a new coating process and tested in operation. The results have been published in the prestigious journal Nature Catalysis.
- Rutger Schlatmann re-elected as ETIP PV ChairThe European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) was created by the European Commission in order to promote photovoltaic technologies and industries in Europe. Now, the ETIP PV Steering Committee elected a new Chair, as well as two Vice-Chairs for the term 2024 – 2026. Rutger Schlatmann, head of the division Solar Energy at the HZB, and professor at HTW Berlin, was re-elected as the ETIP PV Chair.