At the end of September, researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), visited the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland to discuss the latest developments of the LACISE project. During the visit, they met with the groups led by colleagues Sigita Trabesinger and Emiliana Fabbri, discussing current results and future opportunities within the Latvia–Switzerland collaboration framework.
The delegation also explored the facilities of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) synchrotron and participated in the Operando Days seminar, where research results obtained through in operando methods were presented, highlighting the advantages of synchrotron techniques for studying complex processes.
Several key strategic directions for ISSP UL were emphasized during the visit:
Development of operando measurements in electrochemical devices, including the design of specialized cells.
Expansion of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy capabilities with microscopes.
Evaluation of ellipsometry applications in such studies.
Broader access to the PSI SLS synchrotron from the second half of 2026 and throughout 2027, alongside continued use of DESY PETRA III infrastructure.
Researcher mobility was also highlighted as a crucial aspect of collaboration. Currently, ISSP UL Lab Assistant Niks Smelters is on a three-month stay at PSI, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of cobalt-free lithium-ion battery materials. Similar student exchanges are planned over the next four years.
Overall, within the LACISE project, ISSP UL and PSI are working on innovative and environmentally friendly battery materials and novel methods for hydrogen production, while other partners focus on solutions for energy transmission, grid management, and forecasting.
