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845 items found (0 items not approved), displaying 1 to 10.[First/Prev] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 [Next/Last]

Instruments / Technical Area	Publication Details	Published
I20-Scanning-X-ray spectroscopy (XAS/XES)	3D atomic-scale imaging of mixed Co-Fe spinel oxide nanoparticles during oxygen evolution reaction Weikai Xiang , Nating Yang , Xiaopeng Li , Julia Linnemann , Ulrich Hagemann , Olaf Ruediger , Markus Heidelmann , Tobias Falk , Matteo Aramini , Serena Debeer , Martin Muhler , Kristina Tschulik , Tong Li Nature Communications 13 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27788-2 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [25636] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) distribution of individual atoms on the surface of catalyst nanoparticles plays a vital role in their activity and stability. Optimising the performance of electrocatalysts requires atomic-scale information, but it is difficult to obtain. Here, we use atom probe tomography to elucidate the 3D structure of 10 nm sized Co2FeO4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles during oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We reveal nanoscale spinodal decomposition in pristine Co2FeO4. The interfaces of Co-rich and Fe-rich nanodomains of Co2FeO4 become trapping sites for hydroxyl groups, contributing to a higher OER activity compared to that of CoFe2O4. However, the activity of Co2FeO4 drops considerably due to concurrent irreversible transformation towards CoIVO2 and pronounced Fe dissolution. In contrast, there is negligible elemental redistribution for CoFe2O4 after OER, except for surface structural transformation towards (FeIII, CoIII)2O3. Overall, our study provides a unique 3D compositional distribution of mixed Co-Fe spinel oxides, which gives atomic-scale insights into active sites and the deactivation of electrocatalysts during OER.	Jan 2022
I22-Small angle scattering & Diffraction	3D semiconducting nanostructures via inverse lipid cubic phases M. R. Burton , C. Lei , P. A. Staniec , N. J. Terrill , A. M. Squires , N. M. White , Iris S. Nandhakumar Scientific Reports 7 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06895-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [14925, 10330] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Well-ordered and highly interconnected 3D semiconducting nanostructures of bismuth sulphide were prepared from inverse cubic lipid mesophases. This route offers significant advantages in terms of mild conditions, ease of use and electrode architecture over other routes to nanomaterials synthesis for device applications. The resulting 3D bicontinous nanowire network films exhibited a single diamond topology of symmetry Fd3m (Q227) which was verified by Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and holds great promise for potential applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics and thermoelectrics.	Jul 2017
B18-Core EXAFS	A brief discussion of the magnetocaloric effect in thin films of manganite doped with chromium G. Campillo , A. I. Figueroa , O. Arnache , J. Osorio , J. M. Marín Ramírez , L. Fallarino Journal Of Physics: Conference Series 1247 6th National Conference on Engineering Physics and the 1st International Conference on Applied Physics Engineering & Innovation DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1247/1/012013 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: In this work we report on the magnetocaloric effect of La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) and La2/3Ca1/3Mn0.94Cr0.06O3 (LCMCrO) manganite thin films grown by DC magnetron sputtering on LaAlO3 (100) substrates. X-ray diffraction shows that both doped and undoped films crystallize in the orthorhombic structure. Magnetic measurements show a decrease in both the Curie temperature, TC , and the saturation magnetization, MS , for the LCMCrO sample. The change in the magnetic entropy (ΔSm ) was extracted from hysteresis loops at different temperatures around the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, displaying a maximum of entropy change (ΔSm ) max near TC in both films. Moreover, a shift in (ΔSm ) max toward temperatures above TC with increasing magnetic field and a broadening of the entropy change curve were observed. Results of refrigeration cooling power show a lower efficiency for LCMCrO. In order to obtain a local insight into the magnetic interactions of these films, measurements of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) were performed. XMCD suggests that an antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn4+ - Mn3+ is favored with Cr3+ incorporation, which reduces the Mn L 2,3 XMCD signal and results in a decrease of MS and (ΔSm ) max in LCMCrO films.	Jun 2019
B07-C-Versatile Soft X-ray beamline: Ambient Pressure XPS and NEXAFS	A combined laboratory and synchrotron in-situ photoemission study of the rutile TiO2 (110) / water interface Conor Byrne , Khadisha Marie Zahra , Simran Dhaliwal , David C. Grinter , Kanak Roy , Wilson Garzon , Georg Held , Geoff Thornton , Alex Walton Journal Of Physics D: Applied Physics DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/abddfb Diamond Proposal Number(s): [23855] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: In-situ analysis of the TiO2 / water interface via NAP-XPS is demonstrated in both a lab based system (NAP-cell configuration) and synchrotron endstation (backfill configuration). Ultra-thin wetting layers (UTWL) of liquid water (~10 nm) are formed on a rutile TiO2 surface with minimal contamination present in addition to unique insight during the growth of the liquid films as indicated via NAP-XPS, in-situ sample temperature and background vapour pressure monitoring. Chemical changes at the solid / liquid interface are also demonstrated via healing of Ti3+ surface defect states. Photon depth profiling of the as grown liquid layers indicate that the formed films are ultra-thin (~10 nm) and likely to be continuous in nature. This work demonstrates a novel and flexible approach for studying the solid / liquid interface via NAP-XPS which is readily integrated with any form of NAP-XPS system, thereby making a critical interface of study available to a wide audience of researchers for use in operando electrochemical and photocatalytic research.	Jan 2021
	A comparative study of Cu–Se and In–Se bond length distributions in CuInSe2 with related In-rich compounds J. M. Merino , S. Diaz-Moreno , G. Subias , M. León Thin Solid Films 480-481, 295 - 300 DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2004.11.004 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The local atomic structure around the Cu and In atoms of CuInSe2 (CIS), Cu2In4Se7 and CuIn3Se5 was studied using Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy at the Cu and In K-edges. Room and low-temperature EXAFS measurements were performed at beamline BM29 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and collected data were analysed using the freely available IFEFFIT package. The analysis assumed a chalcopyrite structure for the CuInSe2 samples while different structures (Cahlcopyrite and P-chalcopyrite) were tried for Cu2In4Se7 and CuIn3Se5. The results show that the In–Se bond length remains constant in the CuInSe2 samples within the experimental uncertainty but slight differences are observed in the Cu–Se bond lengths. These decrease with the Cu content in accordance with previous X-ray diffraction (XRD) results on the same samples. The values obtained for the Debye–Waller factors in the CuInSe2 samples are lower for the In–Se bond compared to Cu–Se, which is consistent with a higher ionicity in the former bond.	Jun 2005
I16-Materials and Magnetism	A comprehensive investigation of the structural properties of ferroelectric PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 thin films grown by PLD David Walker , Pam Thomas , Steve P. Collins Physica Status Solidi (a) 206 (8), 1799 - 1803 DOI: 10.1002/pssa.200881620 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: X-Ray diffraction investigations were made of high-quality epitaxial thin films of the ferroelectric material lead zirconate titanate, PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (PZT), grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Layers from 7 to 200 nm in thickness were studied, deposited on a 30 nm SrRuO3 (SRO) electrode on a [001] oriented SrTiO3 (STO) substrate. The out-of-plane lattice parameters of the PZT films were measured by high-resolution X-ray diffraction using CuK alpha(1) radiation. A significant enhancement of the c lattice parameter with film thickness was observed, the maximum value of 4.25 angstrom reached in the 30-50 nm thick films. For film thicknesses greater than 100 nm, the c lattice parameter is relaxed, towards the bulk value of 4.13 angstrom at this composition. The in-plane lattice parameters were studied by Grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS), using 15 keV synchrotron radiation at 116, Diamond. The a lattice parameter of domains with [001] oriented normal to the sample surface was effectively lattice matched to the SRO layer in the 7 nm ultra-thin film, but relaxed compared to the SRO in thicker films. The tetragonality of the [001] oriented domains decreases with increasing film thickness, approaching the bulk value of 1.05 in the thickest films. Evidence for the presence of [100] oriented a-domains was found in PZT films as thin as 30 nm, the proportion of which increased with increasing film thickness, suggesting they grow in order to relieve stresses that would prevent the epitaxial growth of thicker PZT films. The a-domains in the thicker films were found to be located nearer to the PZT/SRO interface than to the top surface of the PZT. (C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim	Aug 2009
	A detailed experimental and theoretical study into NaSbS2 as an emerging solar absorber Winnie W. Leung , Christopher N. Savory , Robert Palgrave , David O. Scanlon Journal Of Materials Chemistry C DOI: 10.1039/C8TC06284F Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: As photovoltaics have grown to become one of the dominant renewable energy generating technologies, attention has fallen upon thin-film materials as a route to lightweight, flexible and portable solar cells. NaSbS2 has recently been proposed as a non-toxic, earth abundant solar absorber for thin-film cells. In this study, we use a combined theoretical and experimental approach to characterize and assess the electronic and optical properties of NaSbS2 as a promising solar absorber. Our results, utilising two theoretical efficiency metrics, demonstrate that NaSbS2 may be limited for use in single-junction cells by a forbidden band gap and slow absorption onset. Other features of its electronic structure, however, indicate that the material may still be promising in thermoelectric applications.	Jan 2019
I05-ARPES Detectors Metrology Optics	A facility for the analysis of the electronic structures of solids and their surfaces by synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy M. Hoesch , T. K. Kim , P. Dudin , H. Wang , S. Scott , P. Harris , S. Patel , M. Matthews , D. Hawkins , S. G. Alcock , T. Richter , J. J. Mudd , M. Basham , L. Pratt , P. Leicester , E. C. Longhi , A. Tamai , F. Baumberger Review Of Scientific Instruments 88 DOI: 10.1063/1.4973562 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: A synchrotron radiation beamline in the photon energy range of 18-240 eV and an electron spectroscopy end station have been constructed at the 3 GeV Diamond Light Source storage ring. The instrument features a variable polarisation undulator, a high resolution monochromator, a re-focussing system to form a beam spot of 50 × 50 μm2, and an end station for angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) including a 6-degrees-of-freedom cryogenic sample manipulator. The beamline design and its performance allow for a highly productive and precise use of the ARPES technique at an energy resolution of 10-15 meV for fast k-space mapping studies with a photon flux up to 2 ⋅ 1013 ph/s and well below 3 meV for high resolution spectra.	Jan 2017
I07-Surface & interface diffraction	A general mechanism for controlling thin film structures in all-conjugated block copolymer:fullerene blends Rajeev Dattani , James H. Bannock , Zhuping Fei , Roderick Mackenzie , Anne Guilbert , Michelle Vezie , Jenny Nelson , John C. De Mello , Martin Heeney , Joao Cabral , Alisyn Nedoma Journal Of Materials Chemistry A DOI: 10.1039/C4TA03146F Diamond Proposal Number(s): [8339] Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Block copolymers have the potential to self-assemble into thermodynamically stable nanostructures that are desirable for plastic electronic materials with prolonged lifetimes. Fulfillment of this potential requires the simultaneous optimisation of the spatial organisation and phase behaviour of heterogeneous thin films at the nanoscale. We demonstrate the controlled assembly of an all-conjugated diblock copolymer blended with fullerene. The crystallinity, nanophase separated morphology, and microscopic features are characterised for blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene-block-3-(2-ethylhexyl) thiophene) (P3HT-b-P3EHT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), with PCBM fractions varying from 065 wt%. We find that PCBM induces the P3HT block to crystallise, causing nanophase separation of the block copolymer. Resulting nanostructures range from ordered (lamellae) to disordered, depending on the amount of PCBM. We identify the key design parameters and propose a general mechanism for controlling thin film structure and crystallinity during the processing of semicrystalline block copolymers.	Jul 2014
I09-Surface and Interface Structural Analysis	A halogen-free and flame-retardant sodium electrolyte compatible with hard carbon anodes Lars Olow Simon Colbin , Ronnie Mogensen , Alexander Buckel , Yong‐lei Wang , Andrew J. Naylor , Jolla Kullgren , Reza Younesi Advanced Materials Interfaces DOI: 10.1002/admi.202101135 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [26551] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: For sodium-ion batteries, two pressing issues concerning electrolytes are flammability and compatibility with hard carbon anode materials. Non-flammable electrolytes that are sufficiently stable against hard carbon have—to the authors’ knowledge—previously only been obtained by either the use of high salt concentrations or additives. Herein, the authors present a simple, fluorine-free, and flame-retardant electrolyte which is compatible with hard carbon: 0.38 m sodium bis(oxalato)borate (NaBOB) in triethyl phosphate (TEP). A variety of techniques are employed to characterize the physical properties of the electrolyte, and to evaluate the electrochemical performance in full-cell sodium-ion batteries. The results reveal that the conductivity is sufficient for battery operation, no significant self-discharge occurs, and a satisfactory passivation is enabled by the electrolyte. In fact, a mean discharge capacity of 107 ± 4 mAh g−1 is achieved at the 1005th cycle, using Prussian white cathodes and hard carbon anodes. Hence, the studied electrolyte is a promising candidate for use in sodium-ion batteries.	Oct 2021

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