Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB)

HZB researches new materials – from the exploration of fundamental properties of matter to the discovery of functional materials and concepts. These materials are developed into devices and scalable technological solutions, focusing on renewable, carbon-neutral energy conversion and storage, energy efficiency, as well as systemic green hydrogen solutions. The deep integration of data-driven approaches and AI/ML methods is set to disrupt traditional approaches to materials research, offering unprecedented opportunities to expedite research and innovation, i.e. the translation of results into technologies and products.

HZB is developing and operating state-of-the-art facilities for its own research, its partners and a large user community from academia and industry. At the heart of HZB’s capabilities is BESSY II, a state-of-the-art soft-to-tender X-ray source that enables pioneering operando and in situ investigations of energy materials, processes and systems. The BESSY II+ upgrade is establishing key infrastructures to further expand the operando capabilities for energy research. Relevant sample environments and an integration of synchrotron and laboratory methods promote innovation as well as application, while the holistic approach significantly advance industry relevant developments. Furthermore, BESSY II+ serves as bridge to its successor source BESSY III, a 4th generation synchrotron light source planned to go into operation in the mid-2030s.