Sub-Programme 4: Characterzation & standardisation

Coordinators : Amelia Montone (ENEA, Italy) & Astrid Besmehn (FZJ, Germany) & Janne Pakarinen (VTT, Finland).

Basic material science is still the major driver for the necessary technological development in energy research. A wide range of methodologies, including analytical and experimental investigative methods is the prerequisite for studying and understanding all stages of the development, processing, stressing, and degradation of materials. Based on these findings, customized materials can be developed that contribute to opening up new sources of energy, using them as efficiently as possible, and to using and recycling raw materials in an optimum manner. Materials characterisation plays a central cross-cutting role in this process. Thus, future enhancement of efficiency, performance, and cost-effectivness will depend critically on our capability to develop substantially improved materials and material systems as well as on our ability to understand and to design their e.g. opto-electronic,electro-chemical, or thermo-mechanical properties.

To develop solutions for the above addressed issues, appropriate characterisation methods, especially in-situ methods close to preparation or operation conditions, are needed with the goal to develop cost effective products with high reliability, safe operation and designed life.

AMPEA “Sub-programme 4” will focus on material characterisation, exploring the following issues:

  • In-situ characterisation of chemical and electronic properties of e.g. thin films, surfaces and interfaces
  • Structural characterisation of functional materials for energy applications
  • Characterisation of materials for extreme thermal and mechanical loading conditions
  • Development and utilization of sophistically combined and in-situ characterisation methods during materials processing and operation

The main objectives  of AMPEA “Sub-programme 4” are

  • to strengthen the interlink between material scientist and characterisation experts to enable exchange and define characterisation requirements
  • to create an characterisation platform for state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation with easy access for collaboration partners from AMPEA and other JPs
  • to improve and develop advanced 4D in-situ/operando characterisation tools

In conclusion the goal of AMPEA “Sub-programme 3” is to gain a complete understanding of the mechanisms and processes associated with energy generation and storage under operating conditions during device lifetime using high-end analytical equipment.

Contact Sub programme coordinators:

Astrid Besmehn (FZJ, Germany) a.besmehn@fz-juelich.de

Amelia Montone (ENEA, Italy) amelia.montone@enea.it

Janne Pakarinen (VTT, Finland) janne.pakarinen@vtt.fi