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DIFFER and University of Twente (UT) have started a long-term collaboration on the fabrication and investigation of thin films for the energy transition. Applications are for example in the field of conversion and storage, like electrodes for water splitting or fuel cells.

“Magnum-PSI can create very high density plasmas and we are interested in the impact of the plasmas on the wall and the plasma-facing components,” says Jonathan van den Berg-Stolp. He is the first author of a publication which was recently accepted by Nuclear Fusion. Jonathan van den Berg is a PhD student in the Plasma Edge Physics and Diagnostics group at DIFFER.

A minisymposium is held at DIFFER on the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between DIFFER and University of Twente (UT) for the collaborative work on ”Pulsed Laser Deposition for Energy Applications”. DIFFER and UT are starting a long-term collaboration on the fabrication and investigation of thin films for the energy transition.

Water splitting with electricity is a key technology for renewable energy storage. When a voltage is applied to two electrodes immersed in water, the water splits into oxygen and hydrogen gas. This process is called electrolysis. The hydrogen gas can be captured and stored. It can be used in fuel cells, or for the production of sustainable chemicals.

Marco de Baar always knew that he would eventually hold a senior position in research. But he never thought this would be possible at DIFFER, the institute that he has called his home since 2007. Nevertheless, he is now DIFFER’s scientific director, albeit in a challenging year.