Direct observation of the ad- and desorption of guest atoms into a mesoporous host

Most battery materials, novel catalysts, and storage materials for hydrogen have one thing in common: they have a structure composed of tiny pores in the nanometer range. These pores provide space which can be occupied by guest atoms, ions, and molecules. As a consequence, the properties of the guest and the host can change dramatically. Understanding the processes inside the pores is crucial to develop innovative energy technologies.