Pioneering studies on new materials for future technologies
The Department of Energy at the Politecnico di Milano and Sincrotrone Elettra in Trieste have collaborated on two pioneering studies that have uncovered important phenomena in key materials for future technologies. By using Raman spectroscopy and soft X-ray absorption spectromicroscopy (sTXM spectroscopes), two types of measurement available at Sincrotrone Elettra in Trieste, the research teams have obtained valuable information on the properties of carbon atomic wires and alkaline zinc-air batteries, opening up new perspectives for sectors such as optics, electronics and optoelectronics.
Prof. Carlo Casari, co-author of the study on carbon atomic wires, commented: ‘Through this research, we have deepened our understanding of carbon atomic wires, paving the way for new applications in fields such as optics, electronics and optoelectronics.’ (top stories Elettra)
The second project concerns zinc-air alkaline batteries. Prof. Benedetto Bozzini, co-author of the study, said: ‘Zinc-air batteries represent a promising solution for future energy storage. Our research focused on the realisation of more efficient and durable bifunctional electrodes. Using advanced techniques such as STXM spectroscopy at Sincrotrone Elettra, we have identified degradation mechanisms and suggested strategies to improve the stability and performance of such batteries.’
Sincrotrone Elettra in Trieste offers the opportunity for scientists from all over the world to access its technologies by evaluating their proposals on the basis of pure scientific merit and potential impact. This model ensures that the best ideas and most promising discoveries can emerge, and Elettra has chosen both projects as cover stories for the month of February.
>> The carbon atomic thread research has also been included in the Elettra Highlights 2022-2023 (downloadable at https://www.elettra.eu/it/science/highlights.html)
