MLZ Conference: Stronger, safer, and more sustainable batteries

Many scientists were in one room for several days. The result? Heads full of new ideas, inspiration, and an exciting exchange. This is also the aim of the MLZ conference “Neutrons for Energy Storage.”

Group photo of the MLZ conference "Neutrons for Energy Storage" © FRM II / TUM

Group photo of the MLZ conference "Neutrons for Energy Storage" © FRM II / TUM

The “White Hall” at Schloss Fürstenried lives up to its name: high, white walls, curtains that hang just above the floor, and windows on the right-hand side that offer a view of the vast inner courtyard. The seats at the tables, arranged in six rows, gradually fill up with guests. At 11.45 a.m. sharp, the hall is full. The MLZ conference on neutrons for energy storage begins.

50 participants
The former Scientific Director of the FRM II, Prof. Dr Peter Müller-Buschbaum, and the current Scientific Director of the FRM II and MLZ, Prof. Dr Christian Pfleiderer, from the Technical University of Munich, warmly welcome the guests. This is followed by organizer Dr. Anatoliy Senyshyn, instrument scientist at the FRM II and MLZ, who provides an overview of the program. During the lunch break, the 50 participants exchanged ideas over a vegetable curry: What do they expect from the conference?

High-performance batteries with lithium and sodium
Prof. Yinguo Xiao from Peking University provides insights into the research and optimization of the structural properties of cathode materials for high-performance lithium and sodium-ion batteries. Why is his work so important? He and his team modified and optimized the performance of cathodes by applying different synthesis methods. Fabian Alexander, Christian Apfelbeck, Michael Renz, and Dominik Petz will follow up with their presentations. The audience is not shy and eagerly asks questions after each presentation.

Conference visitors in the "White Hall" at Schloss Fürstenried. © FRM II / TUM

Conference visitors in the "White Hall" at Schloss Fürstenried. © FRM II / TUM

Tour of the FRM II
On the second day, speakers again give insights into their work before everyone heads to the FRM II after the lunch break. There, they can take a guided tour of the scientific instruments for research with neutrons and peek inside the reactor pool. Back at Schloss Fürstenried, the participants present their results in the poster session and exchange ideas. Some of the discussions lasted late into the evening.

Novel materials for current collectors
Dr Lucas Kreuzer, post-doctoral researcher at FRM II and conference participant, sums it up nicely on LinkedIn: “Three clear trends were evident in all the presentations: How can we increase power density? How can we make batteries safer? How can we develop (more sustainable) batteries? Many exciting ideas contribute to answering these questions: novel lightweight materials for current collectors, high-entropy technology, hydrogel-based electrolytes, zero-surplus batteries.”

Excursion into atomic physics
Thursday’s agenda includes more exciting lectures and an excursion to the Deutsches Museum, including a visit to the FRM II model in the nuclear physics exhibition. After a long tour, all attendees return to the “Wirtshaus in der Au” to digest the impressions of the past few days alongside Bavarian specialties.

Prototypes for Na-Zn batteries developed
On the last day of the conference, there were presentations on the program again. Dr Martins Sarma from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden presented the results of experiments conducted at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland as part of the Horizon 2020 SOLSTICE project. Two Na-Zn battery prototypes have been developed. One concept modernizes ZEBRA® technology, while the other uses molten salt electrolytes. There was also another opportunity to clarify open questions and exchange ideas. The attendees left with a head full of new ideas and inspiration.