Science News

Researchers have developed a new microscope that can visualize the optical response of surfaces at an unprecedented spatial resolution of one nanometer. This paves the way for optical microscopy of atomic-scale structures, such as single molecules and atomic defects. Such capability is important for optical engineering of nanomaterials and surfaces at angstrom scales. more

In order to develop improved electrolysers for regenerative hydrogen production, the processes on the surfaces of the metal electrodes used must be precisely understood. Researchers from the Theory Department at the Fritz Haber Institute have now been able to show that even the smallest spillover of metal electrons into the aqueous electrolyte environment is sufficient to increase the energy storage capacity more than tenfold. Only if computer simulations take this quantum mechanical effect into account can they be used reliably to investigate promising new electrolyser materials. more

Researchers from the Interface Science Department (ISC) of the Fritz Haber Institute and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have provided insight into the significant morphological changes that Cu surfaces undergo during the electrochemical reduction of CO₂, which influences the type of products formed. This combined theory (UCLA)-experimental ISC-FHI) study highlights the importance of specific surface defects, that are created and transformed in the course of the reaction, for enhancing the efficiency of CO₂ conversion into industrially valuable chemicals. more

Researchers have observed hydrogen and deuterium molecules in tiny spaces called picocavities using advanced spectroscopy. This study reveals unique differences between the molecules due to quantum effects, potentially aiding future research in energy storage and quantum technologies. more

An international team of scientists have utilized photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) to study alanine, a chiral amino acid, in water. This research reveals how alanine's molecular structure changes with pH levels and demonstrates the potential of PECD for understanding solvated chiral molecules under biologically relevant conditions.
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Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed the Automatic Process Explorer (APE), an approach that enhances our understanding of atomic and molecular processes. By dynamically refining simulations, APE has uncovered unexpected complexities in the oxidation of Palladium (Pd) surfaces, offering new insights into catalyst behavior. more

An international collaboration, including researchers from the Molecular Physics Department of the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, reveals the formation of neutral sulfur atoms during the decay of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) under high-energy X-ray exposure. This study, utilizing advanced synchrotron-radiation techniques, provides new insights into the complex interactions of X-rays with matter, essential for scientific and technological advancements. more