microXAS
The mission of the microXAS beamline project is to operate and advance a versatile hard x-ray microprobe facility for multimodal chemical microscopy and micro-spectroscopy. We strive to enhance spatial resolution, and to develop new or superior chemical contrast modes. Over a large range of length (and time) scales, we apply this comprehensive set of X-ray microbeam analytical techniques to scientific challenges in the broader scope of reactive transport in porous media: From virus metabolite distribution in single cells, over the variability of catalytic reactivity in single crystal catalysts, to reactive contaminant transport phenomena in heterogeneous natural porous media.
The scientific and engineering activities directly related to the instrumentation of the microXAS beamline facility are complemented by a vivid in-house science program. These research activities link to the development of an advanced understanding of macroscopic reactivity and dynamics of complex systems based on the micro/nanoscopic physical and chemical. The focus subject corresponds to enlightening our understanding of environmental chemical processes – including their link to physics and biology. Special emphasis is devoted to the characterization of chemical reactions occurring at solid-liquid interfaces in undisturbed surface and subsurface environments.
Scientific highlights
Thermal cycling during 3D laser printing
High-speed in situ X-ray diffraction is used to measure temperature profiles and cooling rates during 3D printing of a a Ti-6Al-4V single-track wall.
Thermal and phase evolution during laser powder bed fusion of Al-Sc-Zr elemental powder blends
The reaction of elemental scandium and zirconium powders with liquid aluminum is observed directly via operando X-ray diffraction during laser 3D printing. This work demonstrates that elemental blends can be used to create fine-grained crack-free Al-alloys and highlights the importance of feature size.
Direct observation of crack formation mechanisms with operando Laser Powder Bed Fusion X-ray radiography
Operando high-speed X-ray radiography experiments reveal the cracking mechanism during 3D laser printing of a Ni superalloy.
Full-field X-ray absorption tomography reveals the chemical structure of defects in metal-organic frameworks
Cryo-full-field XANES computed tomography was used to visualize the presence and distribution of a second coordination polymer of reduced copper coordination within defect-engineered HKUST-1 MOF crystals. Observations encourage a revisitation of the structure-property relationships of defect-engineered MOFs.
Operando X-ray diffraction during laser 3D printing
Ultra-fast operando X-ray diffraction experiments reveal the temporal evolution of low and high temperature phases and the formation of residual stresses during laser 3D printing of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The profound influence of the length of the laser-scanning vector on the evolving microstructure is revealed and elucidated.
Inside Batteries
Lithium ion batteries (LIB) are essential in modern everyday life, with increasing interest in enhancing their performance and lifetime. Secondary particles of Li-rich cathode material were examined with correlated ptychographic X-ray tomography and diffraction microscopy at different stages of cycling to probe the aging mechanism.
Moving Atoms by Photodoping
Understanding how and how fast we can drive atoms to create a structural phase transition is of fundamental interest as it directly relates to many processes in nature. Here we show that a photoexcitation can drive a purely structural phase transition before the energy is relaxed in the material that corresponds to a “warmer” equilibrated state.
Active Sites of supported bimetallic nano-Catalysts
Dynamic Structural Changes of Active Sites in Pt–Ni Bimetallic Catalysts Revealed by a Multimodal Approach
Making the world go round - a look into the structure of a prominent heterogeneous catalyst
Fluid catalytic cracking catalysts, which are composite particles of hierarchical porosity, were examined using ptychographic X-ray tomography. These particles are essential to the conversion of crude oil into gasoline. Examination of catalysts at decreasing levels of catalytic conversion efficacy allowed the detection of possible deactivation causes.