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Neutron tomography of pistons at IMAT – ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

A team of scientists from Finden Ltd (Dr Stephen Price, Dr Simon Jacques and Prof Andrew Beale) in collaboration with Infineum UK Ltd (Dr Nathan Hollingsworth, Dr Matthew Irving) have used IMAT to help understand where and how coking occurs on engine components. This understanding will help develop more durable, fuel efficient lubricants.​​

Read the case study at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/IMAT-Coking-of-engine-components.aspx

Call for applications open: The CAROTS STARTUP SCHOOL

Carots Start up School imageApply now: The CAROTS STARTUP SCHOOL offers coaching and webinars for scientists interested in discovering their entrepreneurial potential

From 1st December 2020 to 31st January 2021 scientists and engineers who work as researchers at a university or other research institution can apply for one of ten places at the CAROTS STARTUP SCHOOL. Everyone with an idea for a new Scientific Service Company based on an advanced analytical technique, for example at a large-scale research infrastructure such as a synchrotron or a neutron source or in collaboration with a university, is welcome to apply. A place at the STARTUP SCHOOL includes individual coaching sessions with some of Europe’s leading CEOs of Scientific Service Companies as well as a webinar programme teaching everything worth knowing to take the jump from scientist to entrepreneur. Participants will also get the opportunity to join a European network of likeminded people and successful scientific service companies. Online 1 to 1-coachings and monthly webinars will start in March 2021 through to June 2021.

More info: carots.eu/startup_school

New solution to the parallax problem in X-ray scattering/diffraction experiments

parallax solution with x-ray paper abstract graphicOur scientists’ new work on finding a solution to the parallax problem in X-ray scattering/diffraction experiments has been published in a new paper, “DLSR: a solution to the parallax artefact in X‐ray diffraction computed tomography data,” published in the Journal of Applied Crystallography.

The work was performed in collaboration with the creator of the TOPAS software Alan Coelho, DESY, UCL Chemistry, ESRF and SciML.

A new tomographic reconstruction algorithm is presented, termed direct least‐squares reconstruction (DLSR), which solves the well known parallax problem in X‐ray‐scattering‐based experiments. The parallax artefact arises from relatively large samples where X‐rays, scattered from a scattering angle 2gθ, arrive at multiple detector elements. This phenomenon leads to loss of physico‐chemical information associated with diffraction peak shape and position (i.e. altering the calculated crystallite size and lattice parameter values, respectively) and is currently the major barrier to investigating samples and devices at the centimetre level (scale‐up problem). The accuracy of the DLSR algorithm has been tested against simulated and experimental X‐ray diffraction computed tomography data using the TOPAS software.

This will allow upscaling chemical tomography techniques to study large samples.

Read the full article at https://doi.org/10.1107/S1600576720013576

New work on the chemical and crystallographic heterogeneities present in a Ni/NiO-YSZ solid oxide fuel cell electrode after re-oxidation

3D crystals in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell imageIn our latest work, we look with at the chemical and crystallographic heterogeneities present in a Ni/NiO-YSZ solid oxide fuel cell electrode after re-oxidation.

The research was carried out in collaboration with Dr Thomas Heenan from the Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) at UCL Chemical Engineering, UCL Chemistry and ESRF.

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode is often composed of nickel (Ni) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The yttria is added in small quantities (e.g., 8 mol %) to maintain the crystallographic structure throughout the operating temperatures (e.g., room-temperature to >800 °C). The YSZ skeleton provides a constraining structural support that inhibits degradation mechanisms such as Ni agglomeration and thermal expansion miss-match between the anode and electrolyte layers. Within this structure, the Ni is deposited in the oxide form and then reduced during start-up; however, exposure to oxygen (e.g., during gasket failure) readily re-oxidizes the Ni back to NiO, impeding electrochemical performance and introducing complex structural stresses. In this work, we correlate lab-based X-ray computed tomography using zone plate focusing optics, with X-ray synchrotron diffraction computed tomography to explore the crystal structure of a partially re-oxidized Ni/NiO-YSZ electrode. These state-of-the-art techniques expose several novel findings: non-isotropic YSZ lattice distributions; the presence of monoclinic zirconia around the oxidation boundary; and metallic strain complications in the presence of variable yttria content. This work provides evidence that the reduction–oxidation processes may destabilize the YSZ structure, producing monoclinic zirconia and microscopic YSZ strain, which has implications upon the electrode’s mechanical integrity and thus lifetime of the SOFC.

Read the article at https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/10/10/941

Our latest work on the characterisation of NMC electodes used in Li-ion batteries at the PCCP published

Multi Length Scale Chemical X-ray imaging fig

Multi Length Scale Chemical X-ray imaging on Cycled MNC Electrodes

Our latest work on the characterisation of NMC electodes used in Li-ion batteries at the PCCP has been published in a new paper, “Exploring cycling induced crystallographic change in NMC with X-ray diffraction computed tomography” in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.

The research was carried out in collaboration with the Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) from the UCL Chemical Engineering, Johnson Matthey, the Faraday Institution, NREL, UCL Chemistry and ESRF.

This study presents the application of X-ray diffraction computed tomography for the first time to analyze the crystal dimensions of LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 electrodes cycled to 4.2 and 4.7 V in full cells with graphite as negative electrodes at 1 μm spatial resolution to determine the change in unit cell dimensions as a result of electrochemical cycling. The nature of the technique permits the spatial localization of the diffraction information in 3D and mapping of heterogeneities from the electrode to the particle level. An overall decrease of 0.4% and 0.6% was observed for the unit cell volume after 100 cycles for the electrodes cycled to 4.2 and 4.7 V. Additionally, focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope cross-sections indicate extensive particle cracking as a function of upper cut-off voltage, further confirming that severe cycling stresses exacerbate degradation. Finally, the technique facilitates the detection of parts of the electrode that have inhomogeneous lattice parameters that deviate from the bulk of the sample, further highlighting the effectiveness of the technique as a diagnostic tool, bridging the gap between crystal structure and electrochemical performance.

Read the full article at https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP01851A

Methane activation via integrated Membrane Reactors – project results

The results of our MEMERE project show novel membranes and catalysts reduce greenhouse gas emissions in chemical industry

The production of ethylene (C2H4) is one of the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting industries in Europe. We have worked with EU-funded researchers to develop a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly process that produces higher yields than current technologies allow.

Find out more about the results at https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/418475-novel-membranes-and-catalysts-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-chemical-industry

Dr. Antony Vamvakeros webinar on X-ray diffraction computed tomography July 21 – available to watch online

Antony Vamvakeros webinar promo imageSynchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT) is a marriage between powder diffraction and computed tomography using a “pencil” beam approach. The spatially-resolved signals obtained with XRD-CT can reveal information that would otherwise be lost in bulk measurements, which opens up new possibilities in functional material characterization.

In this webinar, our research scientist Dr. Antony Vamvakeros presented results from key case studies where he and the team applied XRD-CT to track the evolving solid-state chemistry of complex functional materials and devices under operating conditions. The webinar also focussed on the recent technical advances in data acquisition, treatment and handling strategies, as well as bottlenecks/limitations of the technique and the potential routes to overcome them.

For more information and to watch the webinar visit – https://www.dectris.com/landing-pages/dectris-application-webinar-series-2020/

Our latest work on X-ray tomographic diffraction imaging of operating dense ceramic hollow-fibre catalytic membrane reactors (CMRs)

You can see our latest work on X-ray tomographic diffraction imaging of operating dense ceramic hollow-fibre catalytic membrane reactors (CMRs) – “Real-time tomographic diffraction imaging of catalytic membrane reactors for the oxidative coupling of methane” in Catalysis Today. The paper is a result of a collaboration between scientists at UCL Chemistry, Finden, ESRF,  VITO and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

Real time tomographic diffraction figHighlights include:
  • Synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography applied to three packed bed catalytic membrane reactors.
  • The solid-state evolution of catalysts and membranes is tracked under operating conditions.
  • A new crystal structure model of BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3-δ (BCFZ) is suggested and used for the diffraction data analysis

 

 

Catalytic membrane reactors have the potential to render the process of oxidative coupling of methane economically viable. Here, the results from operando XRD-CT studies of three different catalytic membrane reactors, employing BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3-δ (BCFZ) and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) perovskite membranes with Mn-Na-W/SiO2 and La-promoted Mn-Na-W/SiO2 catalysts, are presented. It is shown that synchrotron X-ray tomographic diffraction imaging allows the extraction of spatially-resolved diffraction information from the interior of these working catalytic membrane reactors and makes it possible to capture the evolving solid-state chemistry of their components under various operating conditions (i.e. temperature and chemical environment).

Read the paper at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2020.05.045

Watch Webinar from Prof. Andrew Beale on studying catalytic materials with intense radiation sources

Our Chief Scientific Officer Prof. Andrew Beale gave a webinar for the UK Catalysis Hub discussing opportunities for studying catalytic materials with intense radiation sources; what, where, when and how.

It was in 1836 that Jöns Jacob Berzelius provided the first, basic description of a catalyst and its properties. Both the breadth and depth of our understanding of catalysts and catalytic processes has clearly progressed a lot since then – to a large extent this has been enabled by catalyst characterisation, performed increasingly in real time as the catalyst performs its function. Despite these developments, designing a catalyst/catalytic process from scratch is still incredibly difficult. Fortunately, characterisation methods, particularly those using bright light sources (i.e. X-rays, Lasers etc.) and ways in which catalysts & catalytic process can be interrogated are constantly evolving. In this webinar Prof. Andrew Beale discussed some recent exciting studies performed by his group and others and explained how the wider catalysis community can engage with and benefit from such developments. He concluded with an overview of some of the planned technical developments on the horizon and suggested where there might be future possibilities for researchers on the quest to unravel the secrets behind what makes a catalyst work?

The webinar featured a presentation from Prof. Andrew Beale of 40 minutes, followed by a Q & A session. Visit https://ukcatalysishub.co.uk/webinar-prof-andrew-beale-professor-of-inorganic-chemistry-dept-of-chemistry-ucl-finden-ltd/ to watch this webinar for free now.

 

 

Our latest work using multi-length scale chemical tomography to study fixed bed reactors during the oxidative coupling of methane reaction

Graphical abstractOur latest work using multi-length scale chemical tomography to study fixed bed reactors during the oxidative coupling of methane reaction has just been published at the Journal of Catalysis. “Real-time multi-length scale chemical tomography of fixed bed reactors during the oxidative coupling of methane reaction” is a result of a collaboration between scientists at UCL, Finden, ESRF, Diamond Light Source, Research Complex at Harwell, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, University of Manchester, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS and VITO.

In this work, we present the results from multi-length-scale studies of a Mn-Na-W/SiO2 and a La-promoted Mn-Na-W/SiO2 catalyst during the oxidative coupling of methane reaction. The catalysts were investigated from the reactor level (mm scale) down to the single catalyst particle level (μm scale) with different synchrotron X-ray chemical computed tomography techniques (multi-modal chemical CT experiments). These operando spatially-resolved studies performed with XRD-CT (catalytic reactor) and multi-modal μ-XRF/XRD/absorption CT (single catalyst particle) revealed the multiple roles of the La promoter and how it provides the enhancement in catalyst performance. It is also shown that non-crystalline Mn species are part of the active catalyst component rather than crystalline Mn2O3/Mn7SiO12 or MnWO4.

The paper can be found in Journal of Catalysis, Volume 386, June 2020, Pages 39-52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2020.03.027