2022

Simulation helps develop efficient organic solar cells

Printable organic solar cells are made of thin films and are considered potentially cheaper and more versatile than conventional solar cells. However, they still have lower performance and shorter lifetime than conventional solar cells so far. Researchers at the HI ERN have now developed a new approach in computer simulations to change this.

Active pore as a pump for micro- and nanofluids

Simulations and calculations show that even a simple tube coated with a catalyst can transmit a signal in a fluid without the need of any electrical component or moving parts. The pores can also be used as mixers or pumps in microscopic devices. The findings are relevant to emerging technologies in micro- and nanofluidics.

The module whisperers

In its current issue, the trade magazine "Sonnenenergie" reports on a new method developed by HI ERN researchers to non-destructively characterize PV backsheets in the field.

How fine bubbles lead to more efficient catalysts

Catalysts are of utmost relevance for the production of chemicals and energy storage with hydrogen. Researchers at the HI ERN and FAU have now discovered that the formation of bubbles in the pores of a catalyst can be very essential for its activity. Their findings help to optimize catalyst materials for reactions in which gases are formed from liquids - and which play a central role in a future green hydrogen economy.

Constant high level of innovation: Prof. Brabec "Highly Cited Researcher" for the tenth time in a row

Once again, Prof. Christoph Brabec, Director of HI ERN, is among the most cited and thus most influential researchers in the world. This is the conclusion reached by the Web of Science Group in its annual ranking.

Researchers at HI ERN and FAU optimize performance and stability of multi-layer organic solar cells

Acceptor layers made of oligomers can increase the performance of organic solar cells and ensure a long operating life at the same time. This is the result of a series of complex laboratory experiments conducted by materials scientists at HI ERN and FAU. The researchers’ findings have been published in the journal ‘Nature Energy’.

8 billion people

More people than ever before live on earth. In many areas, limited resources therefore represent a major challenge. Scientists are taking up this challenge and actively shaping the future with their research. Forschungszentrum Jülich presents several examples on its focus page. Among them are two HI ERN research projects in the field of energy and mobility.

Presidium of the Bavarian State Parliament visits "Solar Factory of the Future“

As part of this year's regional visit, the delegation also stopped at the Energy Campus Nuremberg (EnCN). Here, the delegates were able to see for themselves the progress of the "solar factory of the future".

Recent study on the role of innovation for economy and sustainability of photovoltaic modules published

The current study explored how the rate of progress in photovoltaic technology affects economic decisions in photovoltaic (PV) system planning, the introduction of disruptive technologies, and the greenhouse gases (GHG) saving potential of PV modules.

Award: HI ERN doctoral student receives poster prize

HI ERN PhD student Janik Lüchtefeld has been awarded the Wiley Poster Award for his poster presentation. He received the award at the "Electrochemistry" conference of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) in October 2022.

Australian delegation forges international hydrogen ties at HI ERN

International exchange in the field of hydrogen research the focus of the visit

New article published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A on cross-linked proton-exchange membranes for DIFCs

The material and cross-linking procedure can be considered a significant step toward the technical implementation of isopropanol fuel cell technologies

Federal President Steinmeier visits HI ERN

A sustainable energy supply for the future: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was able to gain an impression of the multifaceted and ambitious research on this central social task during a visit to HI ERN.

HI ERN young scientists at 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

Four young scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich, two of them from HI ERN, have the pleasure of being invited to the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Six exciting days await the young researchers, during which they will have the chance to exchange ideas with the best scientists.

Fascinating insights at the "10. Langen Nacht der Wissenschaften 2022"

Lectures, exhibits and the direct exchange with our scientists offered the guests many insights into the work of HI ERN and illustrated the span of our research in the field of renewable energies.

Dig4morE Uses AI to Improve Yields from Solar Plants

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to fully exploit the potential of solar plants is the main aim of the collaborative project Dig4morE, a cooperation between the HI ERN and photovoltaic companies SunSniffer, Aquila Capital, and Sunset Energietechnik.

PM_dig4morE_Solaranlage_(C)_ForschungszentrumJülich _SaschaKreklau.jpg

New partnership aims to develop fuel cell with liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC)

Researchers at HI ERN are developing the catalysts and membranes required for this technology specifically for this application

News_HTPV_Large-scale_PV-backsheet_(C)_HIERN_ZAE.png

Large scale PV-backsheet study in SolMat published by Claudia Buerhop-Lutz

Insulation resistance in relation to distribution of backsheet types in strings and inverters

1-s2.0-S2589004222014808-fx1_lrg.jpg

Place for hydrogen researchers

The HI ERN is part of the information campaign "Platz für Wasserstoff" of the Wasserstoff-Metropolregion Nürnberg hy+ and stands as an example for the research strength and innovative power of the entire area.

News_Pumping_and_mixing_in_active_pores_Antunes_Malgaretti_diagram1.png

WOCHE DES WASSERSTOFFS: The HI ERN at the H2 CityTour Erlangen

The H2 CityTour in Erlangen was all about hydrogen: For example, visitors were able to find out about the span of HI ERN's research in this field at the HI ERN headquarters.

2022-01-24_News_EEC_Article_ACS.jpeg