News
BAM researchers achieve significant performance improvement in sodium-ion batteries
New core-shell design for anodes increases efficiency and storage capacity:
Sodium-ion batteries are considered a promising, sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, high storage losses during the first charging cycle have slowed down their development so far. Researchers at…
Compact electron accelerator for treating PFAS-contaminated water
New approach to breaking down PFAS molecules into harmless components at contamination hotspots using radiolysis:
So-called forever chemicals or PFAS compounds are a growing environmental problem. An innovative approach to treating PFAS-contaminated water and soil now comes from accelerator physics: high-energy electrons can…
Passive air conditioning
Nanolope is developing a panel-shaped thermal energy storage system that can be mounted on walls or ceilings:
The specialised material used in the thermal energy storage system developed by Nanolope regulates temperature as it melts and solidifies, it is designed to noticeably reduce heating costs. The International Space…
A proving ground for pioneers
Researchers and developers at the Adlershof Technology Park are still making history in the aviation and aerospace sector:
The aviation pioneer Melli Beese died a century ago. In the very place that she once helped shape, researchers and developers are still making history in the aviation and aerospace sector—with excellent technologies…
FBH to present latest advances at Photonics West 2026
From 17 to 22 January, the research institute presents its portfolio in the fields of optics, photonics and microsystems in San Francisco:
The Berlin-based Ferdinand-Braun-Institut develops and manufactures semiconductor-based diode lasers and UV LEDs with the entire process chain in-house. At the trade fair and conferences, the institute will present…
PFAS detection in 15 minutes
BAM develops sensor system for rapid on-site analysis:
PFAS are “forever chemicals” that hardly degrade in the environment. They enter soil and water, accumulate in plants, animals, and humans, and can be harmful to health. The problem: Until now, detecting them has been…
Multi-method approach makes nanomaterials safer
BAM researchers combine modern analytical methods for characterising particle surfaces:
The safe use of nanomaterials and their optimum performance depend largely on their surfaces. However, the reliable characterization of nanomaterial surfaces is still challenging. Two new studies by the Federal…
Bright prospects for tin perovskite solar cells
Tin-based perovskites promise enormous potential for the production of environmentally friendly, stable solar cells:
Perovskite 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,…
Observing nanoscale dynamics with soft X-rays
At MBI, a new soft-X-ray instrument has been developed:
Scientists at the Max Born Institute have developed a new soft-X-ray instrument that can reveal dynamics of magnetic domains on nanometer length and picosecond time scales. By bringing capabilities once exclusive to…
Ernst Eckhard Koch Prize and Innovation Award on Synchrotron Radiation 2025
Awards presented at the Helmholtz-Zentrum's User Meeting:
At 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…
Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologies
Directory of key research methods and applications for the further development of quantum technologies published:
Synchrotron 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…
Joint Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab goes live
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy establish joint centre for research and education:
The Academic Council of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy approved the establishment of KECLab - the Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab. KECLab is designed to become a modern, internationally connected energy…
Peat as a sustainable precursor for fuel cell catalyst materials
Research at BESSY II for more economical and sustainable energy production:
Iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts have the potential to replace the more expensive platinum catalysts currently used in fuel cells. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin…
Helmholtz Investigator Group on magnons
Dr Hebatalla Elnaggar wants to create the foundations for a new extremely efficient information technology:
Dr Hebatalla Elnaggar is setting up a new Helmholtz Investigator Group at HZB. At BESSY II, the materials scientist will investigate so-called magnons in magnetic perovskite thin films. The aim is to lay the…
The future of corals – what X-rays can tell us
Researchers want to find out how marine organisms respond to changes in their environment:
This summer, it was all over the media. Driven by the climate crisis, the oceans have now also passed a critical point, the absorption of CO2 is making the oceans increasingly acidic. The shells of certain sea snails…
ALISE: New application lab for in situ electron microscopy strengthens research and SMEs in Berlin-Adlershof
A new generation of state-of-the-art instruments has been put into operation by IKZ and HU:
A major milestone has been reached at the Joint Lab for Electron Microscopy (JEMA) of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ): under the ERDF-funded project ALISE…
Exploring the Hidden Secrets of Inorganic Particles and Formulations through X-ray Insights
LUM GmbH offers new solutions with the Gravity Separation & Particle Analyser LUMiReader® X-Ray 440:
The new Gravity Separation & Particle Analyzer LUMiReader® X-Ray 440 now complements the product range of LUM GmbH. Based on the patented and decades-proven STEP-Technology® (Space and Time resolved Extinction…
Long-term stability for perovskite solar cells: a big step forward
A Teflon-like layer ensures exceptional stability and consistent efficiency:
Perovskite solar cells are inexpensive to produce and generate a high amount of electric power per surface area. However, they are not yet stable enough, losing efficiency more rapidly than the silicon market…
BAM and University of Birmingham extend strategic research partnership
Thematische Schwerpunkte sind Energie, Additive Fertigung, Umwelt- und Lebenswissenschaften sowie Chemie und Materialien:
The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and the University of Birmingham (UoB) are continuing their successful strategic research partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), originally…
Two precision mechanics from HZB are Berlin's best trainees
Edgar Lunk and Fiete Buchin completed their training with top results:
Two former apprentices from the HZB workshop have achieved something remarkable: Fiete Buchin and Edgar Lunk completed their training as precision mechanics, taking first and second place in all of Berlin. In this…