Energy

Nuclear energy

• Structural and electronic characterisation of radioactive materials;
• Study ion-exchange materials for nuclear waste remediation;
• Examine various features within bulk samples such as cracks, pores, precipitates, phases of different composition;
• Element specific detection of contaminants even at very low concentration.

Fossil Fuels

• Structural identification and characterisation of crystalline solids, powders and waxes;
• Studies of catalytic processes in petroleum refining including catalytic cracking, hydrocracking and isomerisation;
• Investigate chemical synthesis for light olefin production and transformation of aromatics.

Gas storage

• Investigate structure of new porous materials used for hydrogen storage;
• In situ chemical and physical studies of fast kinetic phenomena subsequently applied to improve the performance and properties of MOFs and porous materials;
• Studies of H2, CO2 absorption/desorption mechanism in the framework of porous materials.

Batteries

• Investigate surface structure and ordering in thin films and coatings e.g. polymer photovoltaics;
• Study anode-cathode and electrode-electrolyte interfaces during oxidation & reduction;
• Follow structural and electronic changes of electrocatalysts during processing under operating conditions;
• Examine fuel cells, electrocatalysts, corrosion ceramics, materials chemistry, microporous solids and semiconductors.