AG Dr. Henss

Interfacial Analysis of Energy Storage Materials

The further development of new battery systems for the storage of renewable energies and the future electrification of transport is an important step on the way to the energy transition and a CO₂-neutral future. In this context, the development of high-performance materials that are superior to today's modern lithium-ion batteries in terms of high energy densities, fast-charging capability and safety represents a challenge. Each battery cell is a complex system of electrolytes, separators, cathode and anode materials, whose interaction determines the cell's performance. In addition to the properties of the individual components, the interfaces in the battery cell are also of great importance. Wherever the various materials come into contact with each other, chemical reactions can occur. The resulting reaction products can impede the important ionic conductivity at the interface. Our goal is therefore to use the best possible chemical and microscopic analysis to understand the structure, composition and properties of the reaction layers that form in order to reduce the interfacial resistance and optimize possible material and surface modifications. 

We use high-resolution methods for chemical and morphological analysis, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM), which are available at the Center for Materials Research. Our group focuses on the characterization of the lithium metal anode as well as on the analysis of cathode and anode active materials in cells with liquid and solid electrolytes. Furthermore, we work on polymer electrolyte systems and their interfaces to the cathode and anode.

Instrumental Analytics in the Life Sciences

Within the framework of interdisciplinary collaborations, we aim to establish analytical methods originating from materials sciences for application in the field of biological and life sciences. One example is the close cooperation with the botany, in which we are investigating the salt tolerance of native and invasive rose species in more detail using imaging mass spectrometry.