Analytische Chemie
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- 6 Materialchemie (404) (entfernen)
It is a well-known story that copolymers beside their molar mass distribution (MMD) can exhibit a functionality type distribution (FTD), a copolymer composition distribution (CCD), a monomer sequence distribution (MSD) and additionally different topologies within one sample. Small, often isobaric heterogeneities in topology or microstructure can usually not be simply separated chromatographically or distinguished by any common detector. Nowadays a wide range of different analytical separation techniques and multi-detection possibilities are available. The challenge consists in a clever combination of these techniques with a specific approach of data analysis. In this presentation different liquid chromatographic separation modes were combined with Electrospray Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry.
The online coupling allows the analysis of reconstructed ion chromatograms (RIC) of each degree of polymerization. While a complete separation often cannot be achieved, the derived retention times and peak widths lead to information on the existence and dispersity of heterogeneities in microstructure or topology, that are otherwise inaccessible This method is suitable to detect small differences in e. g. branching, topology, monomer sequence or tacticity and could potentially be used in production control of oligomeric products or other routinely done analyses to quickly indicate deviations from set parameters. Based on a variety of examples e.g. the topology elucidation of branched EO-PO copolymers, the possibilities and limitations of this approach were demonstrated.
The main outcomes of the EMPIR project nPSize are presented and the suitability of the new capabilities (e.g. reference materials, measurement procedures, VAMAS inter-laboratory comparisons) to be standardized and implemented in accredited analytical laboratories is discussed. Complementation and/or filling gaps of published and ongoing standardisation projects on size, shape and number concentration measurements under ISO/TC 229/JWG 2 are offered.
The increasing enrichment of water bodies and soils with plastic waste leads to the accumulation of microscopic plastic particles, so-called microplastics (MP). There is an urgent need for analytical methods that help to identify and quantify MP. At present, mainly thermo-analytical and microscopic methods such as micro-infrared spectroscopy or micro-Raman are used for this purpose. The latter are usually tied to time-consuming sample enrichment and preparation, only small sample quantities (micrograms) can be examined and the evaluation of the obtained spectra can be demanding. In the context of this presentation, two approaches are presented which, via the multi-variate analysis of spectroscopic data, allow i) a new methodological approach to screening MP in contaminated soils and ii) an alternative evaluation of large (micro)-spectroscopic data sets.
First, a NIR spectroscopic method is presented which allows MP consisting of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polystyrene to be detected in the range of up to 0.5 mass percent. Due to short measurement times and robust technology, this approach has the potential, in contrast to thermo-analytical and micro-spectroscopic methods, to examine larger sample quantities with minimal pre-treatment.
The second approach deals with the evaluation of large data sets, as typically obtained as a result of micro-FTIR using modern FPA detectors. The micro-FTIR technique is based on the spectral recording, imaging and subsequent identification of vibration bands typical of synthetic polymers. The image data sets are large and contain spectra of numerous particles of natural and synthetic origin. Exploratory multivariate data analysis has been tested to complement existing approaches based on e.g. spectrum library searches. The core concept used was dimensionality reduction. The results not only represent an orthogonal method for checking the results obtained by an automated library search, but also revealed a group of spectra that were not recorded in the existing spectrum libraries.
Sufficient adhesion/tensile strength are basic requirements for any coating/composite material. For coatings, adhesive strength in N/mm2 is of Major interest for various applications such as decorative and water-repellent coatings on wood (paints and varnishes), optical coatings on glass and polymers (reflectors and filters), electrical coatings on semiconductors, glass and polymers (conducting and bondable layers), mechanical coatings on metals and polymers (wear-reduction, scratch-resistance) and adhesion-promoting layers. For composite materials, tensile strength in N/mm2 is also a key quantity for carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFC), laminates and adhesive-bonded joints. Centrifugal adhesion testing (CAT) transfers the single-sample tensile test from a tensile or universal testing machine into an analytical centrifuge as multiple-sample test of up to eight test pieces. The one-sided sample support instead of a two-sided sample clamping and the absence of mounting- and testing-correlated shear forces provides fast and reliable results both for adhesive strength and bonding strength by means of bonded test stamps. For bonding strength, the evaluation of failure pattern from microscopic inspection is required in order to determine the failure pattern according to ISO 10365 such as adhesive failure (AF), delamination failure (DF) and cohesive failure (CF). Hence, one test run by CAT-technology provides either statistics or ranking of up to eight samples at once. For adhesive strength of coatings, a variety of examples is discussed such as ALD-Al203 layers as adhesion promoters, evaporated Ag-layers on N-BK7 glass, sputtered Cr- and Al-layers on Borofloat 33 glass, evaporated Au-films on N-BK7 glass and sputtered SiO2 -layers on CR39 Polymer. Provided adhesive or bonding strength are high enough, the substrate or the joining part may also fail.
Small-area/spot photoelectron spectroscopy (SAXPS) is a powerful tool for the investigation of small surface features like microstructures of electronic devices, sensors or other functional surfaces. For evaluating the quality of such microstructures, it is crucial to know whether a small signal in a spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the field of view (FoV), defined by the instrument settings, or it originated from outside. The aperture has a major influence on the signal-contribution from the outside. For the evaluation of the FoV, we determined the Au4f intensities measured with the center of the FoV aligned with the center of the spot and normalized to the Au4f intensity determined on the Au-film. With this test specimen, it was possible to characterize the FoV: The signal-contribution from the outside is reduceable down to lower than 50 %, when the aperture is 30 % of the structure dimension for our Kratos AXIS Ultra DLD system.
The progress in activities on Microbeam Analysis under VAMAS/TWA 37 is reviewed. Particularly the liaison with the new projects within the ISO technical committee TC 202 is presented and discussed with respect to the possibility of identifying and launching related VAMAS projects. Need of more promotion for the engagement of more participants from industry and academia at national, European and international level is highlighted. Also, the competition with the other technical working areas (on 'nano' or materials-related) is critically discussed.
Monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles as reference material candidate for particle size measurements
(2020)
In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important, especially with respect to the assessment of their environmental or biological impact. Furthermore, the European Commission’s REACH Regulations require the registration of nanomaterials traded in quantities of at least 1 ton. Powders or dispersions where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as nanomaterials. This creates a need for industrial manufacturers and research or analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution and will also target other key parameters like shape, structure, porosity or functional properties. In this respect, materials like iron oxide or titanium dioxide are considered as candidates to complement the already available silica, Au, Ag, and polystyrene reference nanoparticles.
The thermal decomposition of iron oleate precursors in high boiling organic solvents can provide large quantities of iron oxide nanoparticles that can be varied in size and shape.[1, 2] The presence of oleic acid or other hydrophobic ligands as capping agents ensures stable dispersion in nonpolar solvents. Such monodisperse, spherical particles were synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and dynamic light scattering comparing cumulants analysis and frequency power spectrum.
1. REACH regulations and nanosafety concerns create a strong need for nano reference materials with diverse properties.
2. Iron oxide nanoparticles are under development as new candidate reference material at BAM.
3. Narrow particle size distribution confirmed by light scattering and electron microscopy.
In the face of rising energy demand and the impending climate change the development of a sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production is of global importance. One possible goal is the development of electrochemical conversion processes using catalysts. Porous materials play an important role in such energy applications. The key to the development of improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relations between their performance, stability and physico-chemical properties. However, the complex morphology of such catalysts constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques.
Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is a versatile method for studying material properties by using appropriate models (e.g. film thickness, optical and electronic properties). The fact that the material properties cannot be taken directly from the measured spectra, the developed models have to be validated. In a first step, the model for the ellipsometric fit studies of a calcination series of mesoporous iridium oxide films (300 – 600 °C) was investigated and validated with respect to their material properties. Moreover, the electronic structures of the catalysts reveal a direct correlation with electrochemical activities. The development of an environmental cell offers the possibility of investigations under real conditions. This will allow changes in the optical and electronic properties during the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.
In recent years, we have come to appreciate the astounding intricacy of the processes leading to the formation of minerals from ions in aqueous solutions. The original, and rather naive, ‘textbook’ image of these phenomena, stemming from the adaptation of classical nucleation and growth theories, has increased in complexity due to the discovery of a variety of precursor and intermediate species. These include solute clusters (e.g. prenucleation clusters, PNCs), liquid(-like) phases, as well as amorphous and nanocrystalline solids etc.. Does it, however, mean that all the minerals grow through intermediate phases, following a non-classical pathway?
In general, the precursor or intermediate species constitute different, often short-lived, points along the pathway from dissolved ions to the final solids (typically crystals in this context). In this regard synchrotron-based scattering (SAXS/WAXS/total scattering) appears to be the perfect tool to follow in situ and in a time-resolved manner the crystallization pathway because of the temporal and spatial length scales that can be directly accessed with these techniques. In this presentation we show how we used scattering to probe the crystallisation mechanisms of calcium sulfate, This system contains minerals that are widespread in diverse natural environments, but they are also important in various industrial settings. Our data demonstrate that calcium sulfate precipitation involves formation and aggregation of sub-3 nm anisotropic primary species. The actual crystallisation and formation of imperfect single crystals of calcium sulfate phases, takes place from the inside of the in itial aggregates. Hence, calcium sulfate follows a non-classical pathway.
One of the objectives of the EU Project EC4SafeNano (European Centre for Risk Management and Safe Innovation in Nanomaterials & Nanotechnologies) was to test and benchmark the services in order to check their relevance to address identified stakeholder needs, but also to evaluate the governance of the structure delivering the proposed services. The aim is to demonstrate the technical relevance of the services and the overall open structure organisation, including governance rules and operating procedures, by answering relevant identified questions (case studies) selected by a panel of stakeholders. Therefore, a significant part of the project will be devoted to this demonstration of the operational and functional basis of the organized network.
Since its introduction mass spectrometric techniques like Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization (MALDI) and Electrospray Ionization (ESI) have become indispensable for synthetic polymer analyses. Ideally, various polymer properties (monomer structure, masses, mass distribution, end groups) can be determined simultaneously. However, in real life these experiments are always affected by important structural parameters and instrumental limitations.
A short introduction focussing on latest findings with respect to ionisation principles and mechanisms will be given. Recent results from our group will be presented and efforts to avoid common drawbacks of polymer mass spectrometry will be discussed. In this regard, MALDI - Imaging mass spectrometry and the 2D hyphenation of MS with different chromatographic separation techniques were especially useful, since they can provide additional information and reduce the complexity of polymer analyses.
Der Vortrag widmet sich der „Zentrifugentechnologie zur statistischen Untersuchung von Stumpfklebungen“ und beschreibt drei wesentlich verschiedene Realsysteme (Fügefläche 1/Klebstoff/ Fügefläche 2), um die Statistik ZPM (wiederholte Ein-Proben-Prüfung) vs. CAT (Mehr-Proben-Prüfung) zu vergleichen. Dazu wurden drei unterschiedliche Klebstoff-klassen mit typischen Fügeteilmaterialkombinationen ausgewählt und in einem Vorversuch mit jeweils 3 unterschiedlichen Prüfgeschwindigkeiten sowohl im Weg-geregelten als auch Kraft-geregelten Mode beansprucht. Die Ergebnisse ZPM vs. CAT und Kraft- vs. Weg-Regelung des Vorversuches zeigten keinerlei Unterschiede auf. Im Ergebnis wurde ein Ringversuch im Kraft-geregelten Mode (6xZPM vs. 8xCAT) für ein Referenzsystem durchgeführt, der nachwies, dass die CAT-Technologie statistisch relevante Prüfergebnisse zur Klebfestigkeit bereitstellt. Es zeigte sich, dass für zwei ZPM-Teilnehmer im Vertrauensbereich 99% statistisch signifikant etwas kleinere Werte der Klebfestigkeit bestimmt wurden, was auf geringfügige Abweichungen von der axialen Ausrichtung des eingespannten Prüflings bei der Ein-Proben-ZPM-Zugprüfung zurückgeführt wird.
Nanoparticle suspensions were microprinted onto TEM grids for subsequent analysis by SEM/TSEM and evaluation of particle numbers using Image J software. Various nanoparticle types, concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, rel. humidity) were evaluated in order to determine the optimal conditions for producing a uniform distribution of particles on the substrate and eliminating the coffee ring effect.
The European legislation has responded to the wide use of nanomaterials in our daily life and defined the term “nanoform” in the Annexes to the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) Regulation. Now specific information of the nanomaterials is required from the companies when registering the appropriate materials in a dossier.
In the context of REACH eleven physicochemical properties were considered as relevant, of which the following six are essential for registration of nanoforms (priority properties): chemical composition, crystallinity, particle size, particle shape, chemical nature of the surface (“surface chemistry”), and specific surface area (SSA). A key role is the reliable, reproduceable and traceable character of the data of these priority properties.
In this context, we want to discuss which ‘analytical’ information is exactly required to fulfill these conditions. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were chosen as the most popular surface analytical methods. Both methods allow a detailed understanding of the surface chemistry with an information depth below ten nanometers. As a rather bulk method for the analysis of nanoforms, Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) in the version with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is considered for the quick identification of the main chemical elements present in the sample. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results are discussed which provide results on particle size and shape. Thus, four of the six priority properties can be obtained with these methods.
Vanadium redoxflow batteries (VRFB)are currently one of the most promising candidates for stationary energys torage.For large scale applications the ion conducting membranes currently in use need to be improved. Ideally,they need to become more cost efficient and selective regarding the vanadium crossover.For a better understanding of the vanadium crossover, the development of reliable analytical methods and procedures, that elucidate uptake and transport of vanadium ions in the membrane, is necessary. First, we present the uptake of V2+,V3+,VO2+, VO2+ and V2O33+ in Nafion™ and in a novel membrane based onpoly(1,1-difluoroethylene)(PVDF). In preliminary discharge/charge experiments the ETFE-based membrane, the precursor of PVDF-based membrane, performed comparable to Nafion™. The methods of choice for speciation are UV/Vis and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES). According to the results, V2O33+, formed from VO2+ and VO2+, diffuses also into the membrane. In present models, the diffusion of V2O33+ is neglected. In addition,we study whether reactions could take place inside the membranes’ nanoscopic water body using XANES. Exposing Nafion™ from one site with V3+a nd from the other site with VO2+ realized the experiment. The results verified that VO2+ was formed inside the membrane. However,in present models reactions inside the membrane are neglected, too.
Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) are polymers which act as separator in an electrochemical cell and allow ionic charge flow to close the circuit. Widely used membranes are perfluorinated sulfonic-acid (PFSA) ionomers (e.g. Nafion™), a class of ion-conducting polymers with remarkable ion conductivity and chemical-mechanical stability. A nanoscopic water system around the sulfonic acid capped side-chains of the otherwise hydrophobic polymer allows the ion transport. Only approx. 14 molecules of water per sulfonic group are present in the fully hydrated state. In vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) ideally only protons are transported. The weak ion selectivity of Nafion™ is the main cause for the transportation of vanadium, briefly vanadium crossover, in VRFBs a system we have investigated more closely, lately. The consequences of crossover are a concentration imbalance and a self-discharge of the battery, which leads to a decrease of the capacity. The development of efficient energy storage systems is crucial for the transformation towards a renewable energy based economy. The VRFB has a great potential as a commercial electrochemical energy storage system due to properties including, but not limited to, no cross-contamination, a long cycle-life and a theoretically unlimited capacity. VRFB consists of two half-cells, which are linked to electrolyte tanks and separated by a membrane. The membrane plays a major role in overall cell performance. So far, vanadium transportation models, which include diffusion, migration, electroosmotic convection and pressure gradients, are inconsistent. There is no agreement in the literature on the diffusion coefficients of vanadium species (e.g. published diffusion coefficients of V2+ are located between 3.13·10-12 m²s-1 and 9.44·10-12 m²s-1) indicate that thevanadium crossover is not well understood and there is a lack on a more fundamental level. Since the membrane transport is the rate-determining step of the crossover as well as of the proton exchange it is extremely important to understand these phenomena on a fundamental level. This will eventually allow us to design better membranes. Alternative materials need to show equivalent performance compared with Nafion™ and ideally be more selective regarding ion cross-membrane transport.There are several options to approach the chemistry i.e. the interaction of dissolved and bound ions inside the confined water body of ionomeric membranes. Vanadium ions are a versatile model as UV/VIS data can be used to distinguish between the 5 species V2+, V3+, VO2+, VO2+ and V2O33+ of the electrolyte. Infrared spectroscopy has been applied to study the interaction of sulfonic groups and the ions. Molecular dynamic modeling is another approach to study the distribution and distances of ions. We now introduce X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) to study species and species changes inside Nafion™ and a novel membrane based on poly(1,1-difluoroethylene) (PVDF). We evaluated the methods and investigated the influence of irradiation, temperature and hydration on the measurements.
Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is a small footprint, ressource efficient micro-analytical tool for trace elemental determination. However, depending on the matrix TXRF is also challenging in several ways: the preparation of a representative aliquot maybe difficult for slurries, shading effects and matrix effects may occur and the applicability of an IS maybe hampered by interferences (fitting may be impaired as well) or inhomogeneities. It is therefore crucial to understand and if applicable mitigate the influence of the before mentioned phenomena. We have used the small volume approach using pL droplets to study shading in TXRF previously.Using this approach thin specimens in a favorable geometry are prepared with a well defined morphology; this way minimizing matrix effects and shading. To be used as standard it is also necessary to determine the delivered elemental amounts. Here we will present on the performance of a commercial ink-jet printer cartridge to deliver defined volumes and elemental amounts. The microscopic specimens obtained have been successfully applied to determine relative sensitivities in TXRF and prepare references to study coded apertures in grazing incidence full field micro-XRF.The homogeneous lateral distribution of analyte and IS may be probed by micro-XRF, to obtain information on alikeness of analyte and IS. To study the alikeness of the in depth distribution (film-like or particle-like) angle scans can deliver valuable data. Here we present first results on angle scans using a prototype GIXRF set up and a commercial TXRF instrument.
Various applications for artificial intelligence in the context of spectroscopy will be presented. in particular, examples from BAMline will be presented. After a short introduction to synchrotron radiation, artificial intelligence algorithms for the quantification of X-ray fluorescence measurement are discussed. In the second example, information retrieval by natural language processing is discussed.
Functional materials for energy conversion are important technology drivers needed for the implementation of low carbon energy. Therefore, researchers commonly focus on improving the intrinsic properties of a functional material. However, for applications, the extrinsic properties are at least as important as the intrinsic ones. Consequently, it is important to investigate and understand the external and internal structure of semi-finished products and especially defect dependent properties. The extrinsic properties may change during application and the life cycle of the material as well as through processing and molding steps. Our studies show how X-ray tomographic (XCT) investigations can contribute to structure investigations in composites and massive samples using the example of magnetic materials for energy conversion.
Trace elements are chemical elements whose concentration in a material is very low. The exact definition depends on the application and varies for example between 100 micrograms per gram in analytical chemistry and 1000 micrograms per gram in geology. The ability to detect trace elements fast and quantitatively is of great importance in many areas of science and technology. With its high brilliance and flexibility in the excitation conditions, synchrotron radiation is an ideal tool for detecting traces even in small sample quantities. In this contribution I will report about the use of X-ray fluorescence(XRF)for qualitative and quantitative element sensitiveanalysis. In addition to the fundamentals of XRF and its quantification methods, the advantages and problems of different geometries like e.g. microXRF, Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF)or Double Dispersive XRF (D²XRF) will be discussed. Practical examples from BAMline from the research fields of medicine, geology and archaeometry will complete the lecture.
Various applications for artificial intelligence in the context of spectroscopy will be presented. in particular, examples from bamline will be featured. After a short introduction to synchrotron radiation, artificial intelligence algorithms for the quantification of X-ray fluorescence measurement are discussed. In the second example, information retrieval by natural language processing is reviewed. As a last example the reconstruction of measurements with the X-ray color camera and coded apertures is presented.
Gold ist eines der sieben schon im Altertum bekannten Metalle und wurde wg. seines Glanzes und seiner Seltenheit von alters her als Tauschmittel und zur Herstellung von Schmuck benutzt. Außerdem ist es einfach bearbeitbar und weitestgehend gegen chemische Einflüsse resistent. Die Untersuchungen von Gold mit synchrotronstrahlungsangeregter Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse sind zerstörungsfrei und geben Auskunft über die in der untersuchten Probe vorhandenen chemischen Elemente. Bei den hier vorgestellten Untersuchungen an der BAMline stehen Fragestellungen wie Herkunft, Herstellungsverfahren und Zusammengehörigkeit von Goldfunden im Vordergrund. Die verschiedenen Fragestellungen werden an einer Reihe von Beispielen erläutert die vom Wikingerschatz aus Hiddensee über die Himmelsscheibe von Nebra bis hin zu Funden aus Ägypten langen. Der Fund von Bernstorf wird ausführlich diskutiert.
In this talk, the features of X-ray fluorescence analysis with synchrotron radiation will be presented. First, the basics of the origin of synchrotron radiation and X-ray fluorescence analysis and the experimental setup will be discussed. Then, examples of trace element detection, micrometer resolution, and application of the X-ray color camera will be shown.
Synchrotron radiation sources with their unique properties in terms of intensity, polarization and adjustability offer a wide range of possibilities in materials research. A basic introduction about the creation and special properties of synchrotron radiation will be given. Examples of current work at BAMline, the high-energy measuring facility of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing at the synchrotron BESSY, are used to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of existing measuring methods.
A particle roughness analysis tool, based on electron microscopy (EM) images. The influence of various parameters on the calculated roughness was also investigated: the setting of the proper threshold, accelerating voltage, etc. The samples were gradually tilted to extend imaging information of more than only one projection. Furthermore, the measurement uncertainty of the profile roughness of particles associated to various orientations was estimated.
Reliable characterization of materials at the nanoscale regarding their physio-chemical properties is a challenging task, which is important when utilizing and designing nanoscale materials. Nanoscale materials pose a potential toxicological hazard to the environment and the human body. For this reason, the European Commission amended the REACH Regulation in 2018 to govern the classification of nanomaterials, relying on number-based distribution of the particle size.
Suitable methods exist for the granulometric characterization of monodisperse and ideally shaped nanoparticles. However, the evaluation of commercially available nanoscale powders is problematic. These powders tend to agglomerate, show a wide particle size distribution and are of irregular particle shape.
Zinc oxide, aluminum oxide and cerium oxide with particle sizes less than 100 nm were selected for the studies and different preparation methods were used comparatively.
First, the nanoparticles were dispersed in different dispersants and prepared on TEM-supported copper grids. Furthermore, individual powders were deposited on carbon-based self-adhesive pads. In addition, the samples were embedded by hot mounting and then ground and polished.
The prepared samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and Dynamic Light scattering. The software package ImageJ was used to segment the SEM images and obtain the particle sizes and shapes and finally the number-based particles size distribution with size expressed as various descriptors.
The Meticulous Approach: Fully traceable X-ray scattering data via a comprehensive lab methodology
(2021)
To find out if experimental findings are real, you need to be able to repeat them. For a long time, however, papers and datasets could not necessarily include sufficient details to accurately repeat experiments, leading to a reproducibility crisis. It is here, that the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration) tries to implement change – at least for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS).
In the MOUSE project, we have combined: a) a comprehensive laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified, highly automated Xenocs Xeuss 2.0 instrumental component. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, with a well-documented data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated beamlines). With two full-time researchers, the lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
While these numbers do not light a candle to those achieved by our hardworking compatriots at the synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory approach does allow us to continually modify and fine-tune the integral methodology. So for the last three years, we have incorporated e.g. FAIR principles, traceability, automated processing, data curation strategies, as well as a host of good scattering practices into the MOUSE system. We have concomitantly expanded our purview as specialists to include an increased responsibility for the entire scattering aspect of the resultant publications, to ensure full exploitation of the data quality, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
This talk will discuss the MOUSE project1 as implemented to date, and will introduce foreseeable upgrades and changes. These upgrades include better pre-experiment sample scattering predictions to filter projects on the basis of their suitability, exploitation of the measurement database for detecting long-term changes and automated flagging of datasets, and enhancing MC fitting with sample scattering simulations for better matching of odd-shaped scatterers.
The Dark side of Science
(2021)
We all may have started out as bright-eyed students trying to do science to the best of our abilities, but over time, some of us have gradually drifted to the dark side. The dark side of science has an impressive publication rate in high-ranking journals, good success with funding agencies, and rocks the world with stellar findings. Unfortunately, these findings aren't real, either by accident or on purpose. As the presenter and his colleagues found, trying to correct or even dispute any of these findings in literature is a supremely complex and time-consuming effort.
With no recent reduction in the frequency of such false findings, it is up to us to try to stem the flow. Besides looking at examples, we need to understand the underlying driving forces behind this dark scientific movement. By combining this understanding with a refresher of the core scientific principles, we can then develop the necessary argumentative tools and mechanisms that may prevent our own slide down the slippery slope.
This talk will therefore start out with several entertaining examples of probably accidental, as well as definitely deliberate, false scientific findings in literature (and in particular in the field of materials research). We will then take a brief look at the possible causes for these developments, after which some tools will be presented that can help both the fresh as well as the well-seasoned scientist to rise up against the dark side.
Fast quantitative detection of microplastics using TED-GC/MS, an innovative thermoanalytical method
(2021)
In the talk, the BAM is introduced and the motivation for our engagement in the field of microplastic analysis is explained. The challenges in the analysis of microplastics are shown and how we deal with them. The working principle of TED-GC/MS and its performance parameters are presented, as well as the procedure for identifying and quantifying polymers in environmental samples. Interesting results are shown using selected examples. Finally, BAM's microplastic reference materials are highlighted.
In recent years, the fabrication of laser-generated surface structures on metals such as titanium surfaces have gained remarkable interests, being technologically relevant for applications in optics, medicine, fluid transport, tribology, and wetting of surfaces.
The morphology of these structures, and so their chemistry, is influenced by the different laser processing parameters such as the laser fluence, wavelength, pulse repetition rate, laser light polarization type and direction, angle of incidence, and the effective number of laser pulses per beam spot area.
However, the characterization of the different surface structures can be difficult because of constraints regarding the analytical information from both depth and the topographic artifacts which may limit the lateral and depth resolution of elemental distributions as well as their proper quantification. A promising technique to investigate these structures even at the nano-scale is Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), a very surface sensitive technique that at the same time allows to perform depth-profiling, imaging and 3D-reconstruction of selected ion-sputter fragment distributions on the surface.
In this study we combine chemical analyses such as Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses with ToF-SIMS to fully characterize the evolution of various types of laser-generated micro- and nanostructures formed on Ti and Ti alloys at different laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz), following irradiation by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses (925 fs, 1030 nm) in air environment or under argon gas flow.
We show how this combined surface analytical approach allows to evaluate alteration in the surface chemistry of the laser-generated surface structures depending on the laser processing parameters and the ambient environment.
Ellipsometry has been an extremely successful and fast expanding method in the past decades along with other related techniques using polarisation sensitive measurements. Opening new fields of application for a successful measurement technique brings some requirements and issues that have to be solved. From a metrological point of view, ellipsometry has the problem that uncertainties are difficult to determine for model-based analysis techniques in general. In this presentation, we will explore how the usefulness of polarimetric methods like ellipsometry can be increased.
Ellipsometry as a method could profit from several current developments which will be discussed in this presentation:
• Standardisation initiatives on national and international level developing standards for best practice when using ellipsometry. A series of at least six standards is currently developed on national German and international level covering different levels of sample complexity.
• Projects on traceability of ellipsometry and structured surface spectrometry as well as new dielectric function database initiatives.
• Metadata handling and data ontology providing a better framework for exchange and collaborative use of research data.
We will also explore the quantification of measurement uncertainty using examples from projects in which BAM is involved. Examples will be presented of multilayer and non-ideal materials as well as the determination of layer properties for technical applications such as thin layer catalysts and complex polymers. The definition of reference materials will be discussed.
Controlling the thickness and tightness of surface passivation shells is crucial for many applications of core-shell nanoparticles (NP). Usually, to determine shell thickness, core and core/shell particle are measured individually requiring the availability of both nanoobjects. This is often not fulfilled for functional nanomaterials such as many photoluminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QD) used for bioimaging, solid state lighting, and display technologies as the core does not show the application-relevant functionality like a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield. This calls for a whole nanoobject approach. Moreover, the thickness of the organic coating remains often unclear.
By combining high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a novel whole nanoobject approach is developed representatively for an ultrabright oleic acid-stabilized, thick shell CdSe/CdS QD with a PL quantum yield close to unity. The size of this spectroscopically assessed QD, is in the range of the information depth of usual laboratory XPS. Information on particle size and monodispersity were validated with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and compared to data derived from optical measurements. The results of the different methods match very well within the different measurement uncertainties. Additionally, results obtained with energy-resolved XPS using excitation energies between 200 eV and 800 eV are discussed with respect to a potential core/shell intermixing.
Moreover, the future application potential of this approach correlating different sizing and structural methods is discussed considering the method-inherent uncertainties and other core/multi-shell nanostructures.
Today's speaker is a young scientist whose research on all aspects of small-angle scattering has taken him from his birthplace in Netherlands, to Denmark, Japan and now Germany. His research has led to a new method and software for scattering pattern analysis, a comprehensive set of data corrections together with the Diamond Light Source, and a new ultra-SAXS plug-in instrument.
For the last few years, he has been working on a comprehensive and universal methodology to get high-quality X-ray scattering measurements for any sample, using his new instrument at the institute. This instrument has now been heavily modified both in hardware and software, so that it can deliver better data.
These developments are always driven by interesting collaborations with materials researchers and other scientists. As a joint member he has published works on a wide variety of materials, including self-assembled structures in liquids, composite materials and porous carbon catalysts.
He has also been very active in outreach, for example by co-organizing an online lecture series called ‘#the Light Stuff’ on scattering and diffraction, running the ‘looking at nothing’ weblog, hosting a yearly introductory scattering course, and he has many scattering-related lectures available on YouTube.
Our distinguished speaker is Dr. Brian Richard Pauw from the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Germany. I proudly invite Dr. Pauw to begin his talk
Today's speaker is a young scientist whose research on all aspects of small-angle scattering has taken him from his birthplace in Netherlands, to Denmark, Japan and now Germany. His research has led to a new method and software for scattering pattern analysis, a comprehensive set of data corrections together with the Diamond Light Source, and a new ultra-SAXS plug-in instrument.
For the last few years, he has been working on a comprehensive and universal methodology to get high-quality X-ray scattering measurements for any sample, using his new instrument at the institute. This instrument has now been heavily modified both in hardware and software, so that it can deliver better data.
These developments are always driven by interesting collaborations with materials researchers and other scientists. As a joint member he has published works on a wide variety of materials, including self-assembled structures in liquids, composite materials and porous carbon catalysts.
He has also been very active in outreach, for example by co-organizing an online lecture series called ‘#the Light Stuff’ on scattering and diffraction, running the ‘looking at nothing’ weblog, hosting a yearly introductory scattering course, and he has many scattering-related lectures available on YouTube.
Our distinguished speaker is Dr. Brian Richard Pauw from the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Germany. I proudly invite Dr. Pauw to begin his talk.
Crystalline Silicon undergoes a complex phase-change dynamic of melting, amorphization, ablation and re-crystallization upon irradiation with high intensity ultra-short laser pulses [1]. The final state of such a modified surface spot depends on many factors, most notably the local fluence and the surface’s crystal orientation. In this study, we induced superficial structure and phase changes in Silicon <111> and <100> wafers using single femtosecond laser pulses (790 nm, 30 fs) for a range of different peak fluences. The resulting surface modifications were studied in great detail using a number of different techniques, including spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry (SIE), atomic force microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy within scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-EDX).
Playing a pivotal role in this work, SIE provided non-destructive measurements for the calculation of the radial amorphous layer-thickness profiles of the irradiated spots using a two-layer thin-film model (Silicon dioxide and amorphous Silicon on a crystalline Silicon substrate). The measurements further allowed for the analysis of the oxide-layer modifications induced by the laser treatment. The results of the SIE-calculations were cross-checked by an in-depth material lamella via HRTEM and STEM-EDX.
Time resolved in situ monitoring of mechanochemical transformations by X-ray spectroscopy (XAS)
(2021)
Mechanochemical reactions promise a new direction for environmentally benign preparation of materials, and has been dubbed by IUPAC as one of the 10 chemical innovations that will change our world. Despite this significant promise, very little is known about the mechanisms that drive mechanochemical transformations, posing significant barriers to realizing their full potential. To this end, there is growing need to follow mechanochemical reactions in situ and in real time. We here describe advances in the development and application of XAS methods to monitor material synthesis in real time under mechanochemical conditions. We demonstrate the generality of our approaches by describing mechanochemical syntheses of materials by both vibratory ball milling and by Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM), where a time resolution of 1 second is for a whole XAS spectrum was achieved. Moreover, we describe how spectroscopic methods can be coupled to diffraction-based approaches, thereby providing new dimensions in understanding mechanochemical synthesis.
Time resolved in situ monitoring of mechanochemical transformations by X-ray spectroscopy (XAS)
(2021)
Mechanochemical reactions promise a new direction for environmentally benign preparation of materials, and has been dubbed by IUPAC as one of the 10 chemical innovations that will change our world. Despite this significant promise, very little is known about the mechanisms that drive mechanochemical transformations, posing significant barriers to realizing their full potential. To this end, there is growing need to follow mechanochemical reactions in situ and in real time. We here describe advances in the development and application of XAS methods to monitor material synthesis in real time under mechanochemical conditions. We demonstrate the generality of our approaches by describing mechanochemical syntheses of materials by both vibratory ball milling and by Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM), where a time resolution of 1 second is for a whole XAS spectrum was achieved. Moreover, we describe how spectroscopic methods can be coupled to diffraction-based approaches, thereby providing new dimensions in understanding mechanochemical synthesis.
Rising energy demand and the impending climate change require the development of a sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production on a global scale. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis will be a fundamental cornerstone in this endeavor. The activity and stability of respective electrode coatings strongly depends on the coating's properties, i.e. phase composition, crystallinity, electrical conductivity, accessible surface, wettability and many other factors. The key to the development of improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relations between their performance, stability and physicochemical properties. However, those relations can be complex, and are strongly influenced also by the reaction environment. Hence, operando analysis of the catalyst material during catalysis at realistic potentials and current densities is highly desirable. Yet, many analytical techniques cannot be applied in liquid environments at realistic potentials and current densities.
We propose environmental ellipsometric analysis in a dedicated electrochemical flow cell as a new method to evaluate gas evolution reactions operando under realistic working conditions. Figure 1 illustrates schematically the developed technique. Key factors to success are highly active model-type catalysts with template-controlled porosity, a suitable sample environment, a deep understanding of the spectroscopic method and respective model development, as well as concise cross validation with numerous other analytical techniques.
The method was developed and validated by analyzing a calcination series (300 - 600°C) of mesoporous templated IrOx films ex-situ and operando under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions. The employed environmental electrochemical spectroscopic ellipsometric analysis (ECSE) revealed during OER the change of optical and electronic properties, i.e. the dielectric functions (real ε1 and imaginary part ε2), electrical and electronic properties such as resistivity (ρ) and band-to-band transitions (p-d band transitions). Film thickness and porosity were validated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray reflectometry (XRR) or ellipsometric porosimetry (EP), electrical and electronic properties by means of conductivity measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. The electronic structures of the catalysts from valence electron energy loss spectra (VEELS) derived from the real (ε1) and imaginary part (ε2) of the dielectric function from SE measurements reveal a direct correlation with electrochemical activities in OER.
In the presentation reversible and irreversible potential-dependent changes of the catalyst properties during operation will be discussed along with the dynamics of gas formation, transport and dissolution at different potentials.
Rising energy demand and the impending climate change require the development of a sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production on a global scale. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis will be a fundamental cornerstone in this endeavor. The activity and stability of respective electrode coatings strongly depends on the coating's properties, i.e. phase composition, crystallinity, electrical conductivity, accessible surface, wettability and many other factors. The key to the development of improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relations between their performance, stability and physicochemical properties. However, those relations can be complex, and are strongly influenced also by the reaction environment. Hence, operando analysis of the catalyst material during catalysis at realistic potentials and current densities is highly desirable. Yet, many analytical techniques cannot be applied in liquid environments at realistic potentials and current densities.
We propose environmental ellipsometric analysis in a dedicated electrochemical flow cell as a new method to evaluate gas evolution reactions operando under realistic working conditions. Figure 1 illustrates schematically the developed technique. Key factors to success are highly active model-type catalysts with template-controlled porosity, a suitable sample environment, a deep understanding of the spectroscopic method and respective model development, as well as concise cross validation with numerous other analytical techniques.
The method was developed and validated by analyzing a calcination series (300 - 600°C) of mesoporous templated IrOx films ex-situ and operando under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions. The employed environmental electrochemical spectroscopic ellipsometric analysis (ECSE) revealed during OER the change of optical and electronic properties, i.e. the dielectric functions (real ε1 and imaginary part ε2), electrical and electronic properties such as resistivity (ρ) and band-to-band transitions (p-d band transitions). Film thickness and porosity were validated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray reflectometry (XRR) or ellipsometric porosimetry (EP), electrical and electronic properties by means of conductivity measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. The electronic structures of the catalysts from valence electron energy loss spectra (VEELS) derived from the real (ε1) and imaginary part (ε2) of the dielectric function from SE measurements reveal a direct correlation with electrochemical activities in OER.
In the presentation reversible and irreversible potential-dependent changes of the catalyst properties during operation will be discussed along with the dynamics of gas formation, transport and dissolution