InCAEM Workshop - Planes Complementarios on Advanced Materials in Catalonia
Maxwell Auditorium
ALBA Synchrotron
InCAEM (In-situ Correlative Facility for Advanced Energy Materials) is the project selected in Catalonia, as part of the "Advanced Materials" program of Planes Complementarios. This new microscopy platform will be unique and will offer outstanding opportunities in the area of 2d materials and advanced materials for energy.
InCAEM is coordinated by the ALBA Synchrotron and counts with the following partners: the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and the Port d'Informació Científica (PIC)-Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE).
We'd like to invite the Catalan research community to a workshop where to explore new collaborations and the research possibilities that InCAEM will bring for multimodal correlative, and multi-length scale imaging.
The workshop will include a first part introducing the ALBA Synchrotron and the InCAEM project, a second part where Catalan research groups can present their projects, ending with a discussion forum to explore new collaboration opportunities. An optional visit to ALBA's facilities is scheduled after lunch.
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09:00
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Welcome to ALBA 10mSpeaker: Caterina Biscari
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Programa de Materiales Avanzados - Planes Complementarios 15mSpeaker: Prof. Eugenio Coronado (ICMol Director - Group Leader)
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(S)TEM 10mSpeaker: Jordi Arbiol (ICREA and Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), CSIC & BIST)
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SPMs 10mSpeaker: aitor mugarza (Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotecnology (ICN2))
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Catalan research projects presentations (I)
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10:15
In-situ heating (scanning) transmission electron microscopy for exploring the thermal stability of a nanoscale complex solid solution thin film 10m
Merging thin film deposition by direct current sputtering (DCS) with in-situ heating (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) allows us to study the thermal stability of complex solid solution nanomaterials which are promising candidates for energy applications (e.g. oxygen reduction reaction).
Despite many studies in bulk alloys and thin films with thicknesses >100 nm, there is a knowledge gap towards thin films with an average thickness of ~10 nm. Thus, in this investigation, we study the growth process and the thermal stability of 10 nm thick CrMnFeCoNi thin film and compare our results with bulk alloys or bulk-like films.
DCS process onto a heating chip leads to islands forming on the top of a continuous layer (Stranski-Krastanov growth mechanism). Immediately after DCS, two different phases are detected: CoNi-rich nanoscale islands and a continuous CrMnFe-rich layer.
In-situ annealing of the film up to 700 ºC induce an Ostwald ripening effect of the islands, which is enhanced in the areas irradiated by the electron beam during the experiment. Moreover, the chemical composition of the continuous layer and the islands changed during the annealing process. After heating, the islands are still CoNi-rich but lower amount of Cr and Fe are detected and Mn was completely absent on them. Moreover, on the continuous layer the Co and Ni were removed, and the amount of Cr lowered. Furthermore, during the heating process oxygen (O) atoms presents on the film surface start to diffuse causing an O enrichment of the layer and in the interface between layer and islands preventing that Mn leaves the continuous film.
In the present work, our atomic scale in-situ studies on CrMnFeCoNi thin film will show how the different diffusion constants of the various atomic species may affect the thin film stability, morphology and chemical composition, illustrating the power of in-situ STEM in order to understand the growth mechanisms of such an interesting material.Speaker: Dr Alba Garzón Manjón (ICN2) -
10:25
Combining synchrotron characterization with transmission electron microscopy measurements for methane activation 10m
Methane is the main component of natural gas, being the simplest hydrocarbon that exists. Nevertheless, it is a very stable molecule (440 kJ·mol-1 are required to break a single C-H bond), therefore the development of highly active catalysts is required for methane conversion reactions. Different oxidizing agents for methane conversion can be chosen, such as oxygen for its oxidation to abate CH4 from tailpipes, or steam or CO2 in the steam reforming and dry reforming of methane, respectively, to generate hydrogen. The development of highly active catalysts requires the precise design of the catalytic active sites, which can only be achieved by characterizing the catalysts under their real working state. To that end, operando synchrotron measurements are required. Their combination with high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements and, in particular, with in situ TEM studies can provide the full picture required to unravel how catalysts adapt and evolve under the reaction atmosphere (presence of gas and temperature).
In our projects related to methane abatement and methane dry reforming [1,2], we have combined in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), near-ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) measurements performed at the ALBA synchrotron with ex situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) to study mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles (Pd, PdPt, …) supported on ceria [3]. The synchrotron measurements allowed us to monitor the evolution of the bulk structure and the chemical environment of our catalysts’ components as well as the surface oxidation state and its reorganization under reaction. The combination of these measurements with HRTEM observations allowed us to understand how the metals reorganize at the nanoscale and how the metal-support interface evolves during reaction. The synchrotron experiments revealed a gradual oxidation of Pd to PdO during methane oxidation, which paralleled an increase in methane conversion observed. By HRTEM, we observed a unique reorganization of Pd and Pt on the ceria surface after a reaction cycle at 1173 K under dry methane combustion conditions by forming Pt-Pd/PdO assemblies. These assemblies had a geometry similar that resembled that of mushrooms and we found that the mushrooms’ feet were composed of PdO and the heads of PdPt. The HRTEM images provided very valuable information about the particular arrangement of Pd and Pt during reaction. A step forward in this study would be perfoming in situ TEM measurements. With these measurements, we could obtain direct observations on the different steps that lead to this unique reorganization of Pd and Pt on the ceria surface.References
[1] Danielis M., Colussi S., de Leitenburg C., Soler L., Llorca J., Trovarelli A. Angew Chemie Int Ed, 57, 10212 (2018).
[2] Mussio A., Danielis M., Divins NJ., Llorca J., Colussi S., Trovarelli A. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 13, 31614 (2021).
[3] Divins NJ., Braga A., Vendrell X., Serrano I., Garcia X., Soler L., Lucentini I., Danielis M., Mussio A., Colussi S., Villar-Garcia IJ., Escudero C., Trovarelli A., Llorca J. Nat Commun 2022 131, 13, 1 (2022).Speaker: Núria J. Divins (Technical University of Catalonia) -
10:35
Advanced characterization to underpin the mechanisms of ultrafast transient liquid assisted growth of superconducting epitaxial layers 10m
The unique electrical and magnetic properties of high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials have made them excellent candidates for the energy transition demands facing our society. However, their fabrication costs are high due to the need for km-long thick epitaxial films using thin film growth technologies. At ICMAB, we have developed a low-cost, high-throughput growth method that combines chemical solution deposition (CSD) with an ultra-fast non-equilibrium transient liquid-assisted growth method, Transient Liquid Assisted growth (TLAG) [1]. The fast growth rates found, beyond 1000 nm/s, and the use of CSD allow the demands on cost reduction to be met. However, the control of the growth process by kinetics made advanced characterizations a requirement. On the one hand, we used probe-corrected transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy (HR-TEM, STEM, EELS), providing an ideal tool to study the growth evolution of films and nanocomposites, identify microstructural defects and embedded non-superconducting nanoparticles with atomic resolution, which strongly determined the superconducting properties of the material.
On the other hand, we developed a fast in-situ synchrotron XRD growth platform to achieve the time scale needed to follow the growth process and determine the phase transformations from precursors to intermediates and the final epitaxial layer. Synchrotron experiments were performed on DiffAbs (Soleil) and NCD-SWEET (ALBA), with a 2D detector that acquires images in the range of 100ms/image down to 9ms/image. We have built the test bench on a mobile rack, coupling the XRD furnace with gas and pressure systems, and incorporating an in-situ mass spectrometer and an in-situ conductivity measurement.
Together, the combined use of these advanced instrumentations allows us to underpin the growth mechanisms and defect microstructure generated by this novel TLAG method [2,3]. In particular, kinetic phase diagrams of the TLAG process can be determined, a homogeneous to heterogeneous epitaxial growth reorientation phenomenon of YBCO has been observed and growth rates could be determined. In addition, composition gradient samples can be studied [4]. The talk will present ongoing research and new opportunities.
[1] L. Soler et al, Nat. Commun., 11, 344 (2020)
[2] S. Rasi et al, Adv Sci, 9, 2203834 (2022)
[3] L. Saltarelli et al, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 14 48582 (2022)
[4] A. Queralto et al, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 13, 9101 (2021)Speaker: Teresa Puig (ICMAB-CSIC) -
10:45
Operando optical techniques for understanding materials and interfaces in energy applications 10m
Ion-based devices such as batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers will play a major role in the future carbon-free energy systems. Many efforts are being dedicated to find techniques that allow understanding interfacial and ion diffusion phenomena occurring during operation, as these are often limiting overall performance. All the developed characterization technique show different compromises between spatial and time resolutions, sensitivity, level of detection etc., which can be solved by a combination of different approaches.
We have developed procedures based on optical techniques: Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). Despite the well-known capabilities of SE to infer the properties of thin film and multilayers, such as thickness, crystallinity, materials ratio in mixtures, roughness, structure of the interfaces, electronic band structure etc., the use of this affordable, non-destructive technique for the study of ion-transport under operation is very so-far limited. We will illustrate the potential of SE with several examples on the field of lithium-ion batteries and solid oxide cells. In a first example, we will show the use of SE to monitor Li+ transport properties and degradation phenomena through real-time tracking of the oxidation-state and volume changes associated with lithium insertion and extraction along LiMn2O4 and Li4Ti5O12 thin-film electrodes in different liquid electrolytes (LiSO4 and LiPF6, respectively). In a second example, we use SE for studying the concentration of point defects in La1-xSrxFeO3-δ (LSF) thin films as a function of equivalent oxygen partial pressure, temperature and Sr concentration . Finally, we present our recent advances in the utilization of Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) for the study of the distribution of species in the surface of Li-ion battery cathodes. We show the high potential of TERS for studying phase evolution at grain boundaries thanks to the combination of the chemical sensitivity of Raman
The development of the operando techniques is carried out in the frame of different projects, which also provide relevant samples from the state-of-the art of Li-ion batteries and SOFC. The most important are: i) EPISTORE (FETPROACT-EIC-07-2020), ii) 3D-ASSET (TED2021-129663B-C51), iii) AfreeSSB (M-ERA.NET PCI2022-132960), iv) ADVAGEN (Horizon Europe 101069743), and v) HARVESTORE (H2020-FETPROACT-2018-2020). The optical procedures applied to the model system arising from those projects, combined with synchrotron operando techniques would provide a deep insight in the mechanism limiting the performance and durability of materials and devices.Speaker: Alex Morata (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC)) -
10:55
Towards next generation batteries based on sulfur cathodes 10m
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have emerged as an exciting alternative to Li-ion batteries. However, the practical application of LSBs requires overcoming several challenges, including the electrical insulating character of sulfur and lithium sulfides, the severe volumetric variation during charge/discharge processes, the diffusion of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPS) intermediates, and the slow redox kinetics of the LiPS conversion reaction. Several strategies have been developed to improve the performance of LSBs. In terms of materials, one effective approach is to host sulfur at the cathode in carbon-based materials with high conductivity. Polar materials are also used to strongly bind LiPS and efficiently confine them within the cathode, achieving notable improvements in the cycling stability. In terms of structure, porous nanomaterials have been demonstrated advantageous in LSBs, to mitigate the detrimental effect of the volume expansion and provide physical confinement for LiPS. Besides, the use of electrocatalysts to enhance LiPS redox kinetics has been demonstrated effective to improve LSB performance. We will present our recent advances in the design and engineering of promising sulfur hosts, using materials with high electrical conductivity, significant polarity to ensure a strong polysulfide affinity, highly porous nanostructures and having high catalytic activity toward sulfide redox reactions.
Speaker: Andreu Cabot (IREC) -
11:05
SelOxCat research group (Chemistry Dept., UAB) 10m
The SelOxCat group (https://seloxcat.com/group/) focus its attention in the design and preparation of molecular or colloidal systems and hybrid materials to be applied as redox catalysts in artificial photosynthesis. The group is particularly interested in the study, understanding and development of the key reactions for the cost-efficient production of renewable carbon-neutral fuels (H2, CH3OH…) from water, CO2 and sunlight, such as the oxidation of water to molecular oxygen, the reduction of protons to hydrogen or the reduction of CO2 into various fuels.
We use a wide range of techniques, including various spectroscopic methods, electrochemistry, electron microscopy or X-ray crystallography, in order to understand these processes at the molecular or atomic level. The SelOxCat group tackles this major issue from two different perspectives:
Nanoscaled molecular-material hybrid (photo)electrocatalysts: We work with tailored molecular-capped metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with tuneable properties. Our aim is to understand the fundamental principles that determine the selectivity, efficiency and durability of these hybrid materials.
Molecular-based (photo)electrodes: Our group also deals with novel catalyst-electrode interfaces to boost their current densities and long-term stabilities, in order to enable their inclusion in practical photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices.
Speakers: Roger Bofill Arasa (UAB), Jordi García-Antón Aviñó (UAB)
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Coffee break 20m
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Catalan research projects presentations (II)
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11:35
Novel chaclogenide and chalcohalide semiconductors for next generation thin film solar cells 10m
Our broad research focus is on the exploration of the emerging chalcogenide and chalcohalide based compound semiconductors for application in solar to energy conversion devices. The group leader Prof. Edgardo Saucedo have vast experience of developing kesterite (Cu2ZnSn(S/Se)4) based thin film photovoltaic technology and has made significant contribution in positioning IREC as a reference research center for this technology across the globe. In the year 2020 he was awarded with the ERC consolidator grant and since then he is leading his independent research group at UPC Campus Diagonal Besos Barcelona. Currently one of the main research lines of the group focuses on the synthesis of the novel Sb and Bi based quasi-1-D chalcogenide and chalcohalide compound semiconductors. These compound semiconductors are identified as potential candidate for the solar absorber application in thin film solar cell devices. In order to achieve this, we are working on developing new synthesis methodologies including the experiments with the above ambient pressure synthesis of chalcohalide compounds in thin film form. In-depth study of these materials will bring out the new insights which will benefit the community.
Another important research activity which is being pursued currently is the investigation of MXene/organic dipoles hybrid heterostructures for application as charge selective contacts in thin film solar cells. Even though such hybrid heterostructures have been recently carried out in perovskite and organic based solar cell technologies it is yet to be explored for chalcogenide based thin film solar cells. Hence the fundamental exploration of the interfaces of such hybrid 2D materials assembly with the quasi-1-D chalcogenide compounds will help in building a new understanding about the charge transport properties across the hetero-interfaces. In order to perform these research activities our laboratory is well equipped with the facilities to grow the thin films by PVD as well as through solution-based routes. For device characterization we have basic opto-electronic characterization tools and are in the process of developing some advanced techniques such as micro transmittance and photoluminescence.
In order to further bring out deeper understanding about the performance of these scarcely explored materials utilization of advanced characterization methods is prerequisite. We believe by taking part in this one-day workshop we will get opportunity to know about as well as understand the capabilities of the scientific infrastructure which will be made available for the scientific community through InCAEM. In addition to this it will provide a very nice platform to network with other research groups as well as explore the possibilities for establishing meaningful collaboration.Speaker: Kunal Tiwari (IREC and EEBE UPC) -
11:45
Cathode materials for next-generation high energy density battery cells 10m
Among cathodes currently investigated for high-energy battery cells, three compositions stand as the most promising ones, which are Li1.1Ni0.35Mn0.55O2 (R3m + C2/m), LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (Fd3m) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (R3m). The three compositions have little or no cobalt, so being cheaper and more sustainable than current state-of-art materials, and maximize the energy stored at the cell level via 1) delivering high discharge capacity as for the R3m phase, or 2) increasing charge voltage ˃ 4.5 V as for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. Each phase reacts singularly with Li, involving cation disordering, oxygen sublattice rearrangement and phase transformation, depending on its nominal composition and degree of de-lithiation, among other parameters. Interestingly, in some instances, the three phases relate to each other as a function of battery cell ageing. For example, COBRA Li-rich oxides (R3m + C2/m) oxidize to a highly disordered layered oxide first (R3m) and eventually transforms into a spinel phase (Fd3m) after deep cycling. Monitoring and understanding structural changes via high-throughput microscopy techniques is a significant challenge but necessary for developing cathode materials with an extended cycle life beyond 2000 cycles.
So far, we have collected structural information for the materials during battery cell cycling using post-mortem and operando studies. In the frame of four European projects, 1) COBRA [H202:875568], 2) IntelLiGent [HORIZON; 101069765], 3) ADVAGEN [HORIZON:?] and 4) SPINMATE [HORIZON: 101069712] working with the cathode materials herein presented, we would like to complement results with high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy analyses to characterize the structure and chemical composition at the nano-domain level.
Speaker: Jordi Jacas Biendicho (IREC) -
11:55
Advanced materials for hybrid energy storage devices 10m
Supercapacitors, one electrochemical energy storage device (EES), are fascinating devices due to their high power, low cost, long cycling performance and and fast charge/discharge rates. However, their energy density needs to be improved to compete with other ESS in the market, especially with batteries such as Li-ion tecnologies. The development of hybrid electrodes by means of combining different nanomaterials is one of the strategies to enhance the energy density of supercapacitors. In this sense, the properties of faradaic redox-active nanomaterials and purely double-layer capacitive nanocarbons are integrated into the same electrode. Moreover, the combination in the same device of a capacitive electrode and a faradaic one is another possible hybridization method to increase their performance, such as in the case of metal-ion supercapacitors (Li+, Na+, Zn2+). Among these, Zn-ion chemistry has a greater impact on the development of novel and greener energy storage devices due to zinc’s low-cost, abundance and water compatibility. As redox-active materials, that can be used to hybridize electrodes, polyoxometalates (POMs) are well-suited nanomaterials (nanoscale metal oxide clusters from Mo, W, and V) that can perform fast reversible redox reactions without changing their structural stability, providing an increase of capacity and cyclability when they are combined with nanocarbons such as activated carbon or graphene oxide. Their combination with inorganic 2D materials MXene materials has yielded a great performance in terms of a very high volumetric capacitance, which combined also with nanocarbons (high gravimetric capacitance) allows to have a device which can have 1.5 times higher volumetric capacitance than those with Mxenes alone. Other sustainable nanomaterials that have shown promising perfomance on different energy storage devices are the Prussian Blue Analogues (nanocubes made from iron, nitrogen, and carbon). Due to their chemistry and crystalline structure, they can intercalate cations (Na+, K+ and Zn+2) in aqueous media providing many possibilities for the development of safe and green EES.
Speaker: Rosa Maria González Gil (Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology ICN2) -
12:05
Tuning physical properties at the nanoscale through controlled nanostructuring or proximity effects 10m
The overall goal of the group of Magnetic Nanomaterials at the University of Barcelona, Spain (https://magneticnanomaterialsub.wordpress.com/) is to tailor magnetic and optical properties at the nanoscale taking advantage of the degrees of freedom associated with the actual nanostructure of the systems. We specialize, on the one hand, on the study of the intimate correlation between the nanostructure and the physical properties (magnetic, electronic, plasmonic, transport properties) of a variety of nanostructures. On the other hand, on how these properties are affected by finite-size, surface, proximity, and interfacial effects, together with inter-particle interactions and quantum phenomena, among others.
Our current research lines include:
- Enhanced functionalities in nanoparticles and hybrid nanostructures.
- Proximity effects in hybrid nanostructures.
- Theoretical models and simulations of magnetic nanoparticles.
- Geometrically frustrated networks of plasmonic nanoelements. Functionality for Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and sensing applications.
- Chiral plasmonic nanostructures.
- Development of phononic/thermal applications using ferroelectric
oxides. - Electric field control of magnetism using ferroelectric-ferroelastic-magnetic epitaxial heterostructures.
The activity of the group is devoted to cover the whole chain of value, from the development and optimization of new synthesis and/or nanofabrication routes of a wide variety of high-quality materials with relevant magnetic, electronic, electron transport and/or plasmonic properties, to the comparison of our experimental results to numerical simulations and theoretical pseudo-phenomenological models, together with the envisage of the potential application. Special emphasis is put on the use of an advanced set of complementary characterization techniques, many of them probing local properties, from scanning-probe to electron-microscopy and synchrotron-based. Potential applications include the use of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine, magnetic nanostructures in magnetic recording and plasmonic arrays in sensing, enhanced spectroscopies, and perfect absorbers.
Speaker: Adriana Figueroa (Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada and Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain) -
12:15
Direct urea fuel cells: NiO/CuO heterojunction electrodes 10m
Huge amounts of urea (CO[NH2]2) are industrially produced as fertilizers and naturally generated in livestock farming. Such massive production of urea releases large amounts of wastewater polluted with ammonium into the environment, which is a major concern for environmentally sustainable development. Not only do aquatic ecosystems close to intensive farms suffer from major urea-derived pollution, but ammonia released by urea combines with other pollutants to form particulate matter that affects human health, can release nitrous oxide, which is a powerful greenhouse gas, and raise acidity levels. Thus, direct urea fuel cells (DUFCs), allowing the generation of electric power from the electrooxidation of urea have great potential as a cost-effective technology to simultaneously treat urea-containing wastewater and generate electricity. Herein, a self–supported p-p heterojunction electrode consisting of 2D NiO nanosheets vertically grown on 1D CuO nanowires over a copper mesh (CuM, overall denoted as NiO/CuO@CuM) is synthesized to realize the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). This NiO/CuO@CuM electrode shows an outstanding UOR performance with a potential of 1.35 V vs. RHE at 10 mA/cm2 and 1.39 V vs. RHE at 100 mA/cm2. The large density active sites, high electrical conductivity, and fast kinetics are the factors contributing to this excellent performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the NiOOH/CuO heterojunctions modulate the electronic states and benefit urea absorption and CO2 desorption. Stretched Ni-O and Cu-O bonds around the interface and a uniquely elongated N-H bond of urea are calculated, manifesting the favorable catalytic activity of the p-p heterojunction. The assembled DUFCs provide open circuit voltages up to 0.86 V and power densities of 11.35 mW/cm2. This work holds significance for constructing a heterojunction towards modulated and improved UOR catalytic efficiency to enhance DUFCs performance.
Speaker: Dr Paulina R. Martinez-Alanis (IREC) -
12:25
IMB-CNM-CSIC R&D in the framework of InCAEM 10m
Most R&D activities of the IMB-CNM-CSIC aim to realize chip hardware, spanning transversally and combining the micro, nano and quantum technologies scales, and providing miniaturized devices and systems for verticals including energy, health or physics frontiers.
Related to energy harvesting and nanomaterials for thermoelectricity, the InCAEM approach (In-situ Correlative Facility for Advanced Energy Materials) would benefit the investigation of currently funded projects on ultrathin films of crystalline silicon periodic nanostructured by block copolymer thin films, structured metal oxide semiconductors, and their metal decorated versions, as well as in operando studies of alternative methods for dopants diffusion in nano and thin film silicon or formation of silicides.
Additionally, there is a long and consolidated experience at the IMB-CNM-CSIC on delivering advanced or customized radiation detectors, traditionally based on silicon, that recently converged with our capabilities and developments in novel and emerging nanomaterials such as graphene. Recent achievements include both heterogenous integration of graphene in silicon photodetectors and monolithic integration of graphene in silicon carbide platforms, enabling radiation hard devices potentialy useful for nuclear energy applications or synchrotron beamlines. We envision that these activities can also enrich and generate several synergies in relation to the InCAEM project.
Speaker: Gemma Rius (IMB-CNM-CSIC) -
12:35
STEM - Monochromated EELS: the Real Swiss Army Knife of Spectroscopy 10m
Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is probably the most versatile spectroscopy technique to study materials at sub-nanometer length scales. For instance, nowadays it is possible to obtain chemical maps of composition, bonding information and dielectric response of materials [1]. EELS measurements and mapping were carried out in TEM/STEMs till 2000, but since then mapping with atomic resolution (d < 2 Å) has become routinely possible with the advent of aberration-corrected STEMs [2].
Improvements in the understanding of the scattering process involved in EELS has also led to measure and quantify ferromagnetic phases in materials, just like with X-ray circular magnetic dichroism (XMCD) in synchrotrons, but with the phase of the electron playing the role of polarization of light [3].
The recent development of a new generation of monochromators [4] and spectrometers [5] has transformed EELS in a much more versatile tool. Phonon mapping with atomic resolution [6], the detection of isotopes in water [7] and amino acids [8] for instance, are now the new ‘tools’ of this Swiss Army Knife of spectroscopy that is EELS.
I will go through some of the technical details of the aforementioned tools and discuss some of the relevant ‘blades and tools’ of the monochromated-EELS toolkit that I think would be must relevant to the Catalan research community.
References:
[1] R.F. Egerton, Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy in the Electron Microscope, 3rd edition (Springer, 2011).
[2] D.A. Muller et al., Science 319 (2008) p. 1073.
[3] P. Schattschneider, et al., Nature 441 (2006) p. 486.
[4] O. L. Krivanek, et al., Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 367 (2009), p. 3683.
[5] T.C. Lovejoy et al., Micros. & Microanal. 24 (2018) p. 446.
[6] F. S. Hage et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122 (2019), p. 016103.
[9] J.R. Jokisaari, et al., Adv. Mater. 30 (2018), p. 1802702.
[10] J.A Hachtel, et al., Science 363 (2019), p. 525.Speaker: Dr Jaume Gazquez (ICMAB) -
12:45
Novel strategies for comprehensive spatial metabolomics 10m
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful analytical tool with an increasing range of applications in life sciences. It combines traditional imaging methods with the advantages of untargeted mass spectrometric detection and identification of numerous classes of molecules, which allows for new insights into tissue samples by, e.g., the exchange of metabolites within the cellular micro-environment. A key element of the analysis is the overall efficiency of the ionisation, which aims towards a versatile and unbiased sampling without major fragmentation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) is the most used technique for MSI of biological analytes. Based on untargeted, spatial chemical information, tissue samples can be analysed with superior density of information compared to conventional histology techniques. However, complex biological tissue samples impose significant challenges to MALDI-MSI due to the wide distribution of analyte abundances, polarities, and strong differences in the biochemical matrix of varying tissue types in close proximity.
In this talk, I will present new analytical strategies for comprehensive tissue characterization that we develop in the Metabolomics Interdisciplinary Laboratory of the University of Tarragona. This comprises, e.g., secondary ionization and new matrices based on photoactive metal nanostructures for spatial metabolomics that approach to mitigate ion suppression and low ion yields for low-weight and mid-polar molecule classes. Further, I will demonstrate our in-house developed versatile open-source R package rMSI, able to visualize, process, and analyze MSI data, and combine the data with complementary techniques such as RAMAN spectroscopy for multimodal analysis. I will finish with exemplary MSI analysis of biological and clinical tissue as a cost-effective means to monitor, e.g., patients, or to identify novel biomarkers to help the urgent need for prognostic and diagnostic means.Speaker: Christoph Bookmeyer (University of Tarragona) -
12:55
Controlling the performance of metallic materials through processing: the PROCOMAME research group 10m
The PROCOMAME (Metallic Materials Forming Processes) research group belongs to the Materials Science and Engineering department of the UPC. This research group devotes its activity to study the effect of the processing conditions on the evolution of the microstructure and consequently the properties of metallic materials. Through the years, the group has become experienced in high temperature deformation processes, such as forging or rolling, incremental forming, severe plastic deformation processes and, more recently, additive manufacturing using material extrusion technologies. Moreover, different metals and alloys have been evaluated, including different grades of advanced high strength steels, Ni based superalloys, as well as aluminum and magnesium alloys, to name a few. Some of the metallurgical phenomena which can take place during forming and define the final microstructure include recrystallization, recovery, precipitation, phase transformation, twinning, etc… The main objective of the research performed at the PROCOMAME group is the control of these phenomena through a proper design of the processing parameters, to optimize the performance of the material. Understanding the correlations between the evolution of the microstructure and the mechanical properties requires the use of advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, EBSD and XRD. The group is looking forward to increasing its characterization capabilities and knowledge by using synchrotron for specific research topics where this technique could provide valuable data through operando and ex-situ studies.
Speaker: Jessica Calvo (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya)
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Science opportunities at ALBA and ALBA II 15mSpeaker: Klaus Attenkofer
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Modes of access, discussion and collaboration opportunities 30m
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Lunch 1h
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Optional visit to ALBA Synchrotron 1h
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