News

Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein, formerly the group leader in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, has been appointed as a professor at the University of Bayreuth and has accepted the position. Starting in June, he will assume the professorship for Operando Analytics of Electrochemical Energy Storage. more

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

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) announced the renewal of funding for the Cluster of Excellence e-conversion, ensuring its continuation for another seven years starting January 1, 2026. The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society is proud to be part of this distinguished and interdisciplinary research network, which drives cutting-edge energy science and fosters vital cross-disciplinary collaboration to tackle the pressing challenges of the global energy transition. more

The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society congratulates Dr. André Fielicke on his successful habilitation in the field of Experimental Physics at TU Berlin. 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