As part of the "Besondere Lernleistung (BeLL)", an element of high school education, student David Deng of the Wilhelm-Ostwald-Gymnasium is currently working on a voluntary additional project at the IOM and thus gaining his first insights into everyday research. For this purpose, the eleventh grader with a mathematical-scientific orientation is delving into the scientific topic of "JointLab: Surface modification with mass-selected molecular ions" under the supervision of Mr. Fangshun Yang and Dr. Jonas Warneke until June 27, 2023. Once a week he deals with the deposition of Nile blue cations on surfaces, trying to deposit the dye Nile blue (C₂₀H₂₀N₃O⁺) on different surfaces in a mass-selected manner by means of ion soft landing. Since Nile blue is a pH indicator and solvatochrome, i.e. its color is sensitive to its environment, these studies help to better understand such layers on surfaces created by ion soft landing. Color changes as well as reactions on the surfaces are investigated by the high school student using various analytical methods. The practically acquired results are also documented in writing during the research project and the content is presented and evaluated in a colloquium at the end of the year's work.

The development of a "Besondere Lernleistung (BeLL)" offers students the opportunity to demonstrate complex action competence, further develop communicative and cooperative skills, and gain clarity about work behavior and interests in preparation for university studies.