New x-ray machine unveils the ‘hidden layers’ of materials
University of Twente opens new facility to create greener batteries and catalysts
June 21, 2024 – Today, the Nanolab of the University of Twente opened a new state-of-the-art research facility. The opening represents a significant advancement in the university’s capabilities to pioneer cutting-edge research in photoelectron characterization and advanced materials synthesis. One of its machines – the operando HAXPES – is made possible through a 2.2 million euro grant from the NWO-large programme of the Dutch Research Council.
The operando HAXPES machine (HArd X-ray PhotoElectron Spectroscopy) is the first of its kind worldwide. This allows researchers of the MESA+ Institute of the University of Twente to probe inside materials, at the interface of two different layers while the materials are active. This can be used in the development of new types of batteries and catalysts for green hydrogen production.
