报告摘要：

Energy materials are functional materials designed for energy harvesting, storage, and conversion. Since assembly must be controlled down to the atomic scale, their synthesis is challenging. Moreover, such complex materials often form via highly efficient, non-classical nucleation pathways in environments that are difficult to rationalize. Additionally, synthesis conditions are frequently harsh and optically dense, limiting experimental access. Under these conditions, X-rays are ideally suited to reveal atomic arrangements across multiple length scales — from atomic coordination in solution to crystalline structures at the nanoscale ^[1]. To illustrate how X-rays can uncover non-classical nucleation pathways and guide optimized synthesis, I will present examples from our research on organic electronics, lead halide perovskites ^[2], metal oxides, and metal alloys ^[3]. A recurring finding across these studies is the role of structured solvents in catalyzing the assembly process and providing experimental control. Furthermore, the in situ and operando character of these X-ray studies enables tracking material transformations under working conditions, providing insight into electrode degradation processes driven by dissolution and recrystallization during photocatalysis ^[4].

[1] L. Grote et al., Nature Communications 12, 4429 (2021)

[2] K. Frank et al., Nature Communications 15, 8952 (2024)

[3] D. Derelli et al., Small 20, 2311714 (2024)

[4] D. Derelli et al., Angewandte Chemie 62, e202307948, (2023)

报告人简介：

Bert Nickel is an experimental physicist at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), where he leads a research group working on X-ray science, thin films, surfaces and interfaces. His research focuses on understanding the relationship between structure and function in semiconductor and functional materials using SAXS, WAXS, GISAXS, X-ray reflectometry and in situ and operando X-ray techniques. His work spans organic semiconductors, low-dimensional materials, perovskites, nanocrystals, energy materials and soft matter. He also develops experimental instrumentation and has contributed to XUV optics and multilayer systems for attosecond applications. He has extensive experience at large-scale facilities including DESY and ILL. His research combines fundamental materials physics with the development of advanced experimental methods and functional materials.

主办：

北京大学国际合作部

北京大学物理学院

联系人：

李晓敏 lixiaomin@pku.edu.cn