Energy

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for modern devices, so researchers continuously work on safer and more efficient alternatives. A research team led by Argonne National Laboratory (DOE) and Dr. Neelima Paul and Dr. habil Ralph Gilles from the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) revealed key insights into solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries. Neutron diffraction experiments played a central role in this. Their findings could lead to safer, more energy-efficient batteries.

An international team led by Dr Alexander Mutschke has produced a completely new compound with boric acid and hydrogen and elucidated its structure with the help of neutrons. The borate hydride could be used in fuel cells, luminescent materials or catalysis in the future.

Battery capacity loss is among the biggest brakes in e-mobility and the industry. A research team from FRM II and other institutions is now validating a method that can be used to determine the distribution of elements in the anode of a battery and, thus, better understand aging.

Fusion research reactors require heat-resistant wall materials. Researchers have investigated a promising candidate with neutrons at the MLZ.

Nuclear fusion could help solve the energy problem in the future. However, there are still numerous challenges to overcome before then. Among other things, the inner walls of the fusion reactor must be able to withstand extreme conditions. Positrons help researchers to study these materials.

How do Li-ion batteries become more environmentally friendly, cheaper and more powerful? An international research team investigated this question. With the help of neutron and X-ray radiation, they examined the crystalline structure of a new cathode material and discovered a third, previously unknown structural phase.

A research team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has discovered a material class with above-average conductivity. This is a decisive step forward in the development of high-performance solid-state batteries. Investigations conducted at the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) made an essential contribution to the discovery.