
LNS: Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging
News
Neutron reflectometer Amor at SINQ receives the ESS MultiBlade detector
The neutron reflectometer Amor now uses the ESS MultiBlade detector, with improved resolution, angular coverage and dynamical range.
SNSF funds new LNS projects on quantum materials for 1.75 million
Scientists working on exotic magnetism at the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS) are to receive two project fundings from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), amounting to 1.75 million Swiss francs.
Cobalt-free layered perovskites RBaCuFeO5+d (R = 4f lanthanide) as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Co oxides with perovskite-related structure are particularly promising, cost-effective OER catalysts. However, the increasing Co demand by the battery industry is pushing the search for Co-free alternatives. Here we investigate the potential of the Co-free layered perovskite family RBaCuFeO5+δ (R = 4f lanthanide), where we identify the critical structural and electronic variables leading to high OER catalytical performance. The employed methodology, based in the use of advanced neutron and X-ray synchrotron techniques combined with ab initio DFT calculations allowed to reveal LaBaCuFeO5+δ as new, promising Co-free electroctalyst. Moreover, we could show that this material can be industrially produced in nanocrystalline form. We believe that the reported results and methodology may contribute to the implementation of new technologies aimed to generate energy with lower carbon emissions, and can also inspire the scientific community in their search of other Co-free materials with good OER electrocatalytical properties.
Better batteries for electric cars
PSI researchers make physical and chemical changes in batteries visible.