Imaging at synchrotrons is increasingly pushing towards in-situ and in-operando studies. While there has been success at the micro-mm scale, applications in the nanoscale have been limited by both the availability of suitable cells, impact of reducing sample volumes (flow rates, transport physics), total acquisition times and total dose on the sample.
To provide sample environments stable at the nanoscale the x-ray community have exploited developments in electron microscopy but the sample requirements (ultra-thin sections) are technique dependent and do not directly apply or work effectively for x-ray applications. Studies in-situ also require faster acquisition times to monitor evolving systems and extending scanning probe techniques to dynamic measurements requires new acquisition which exploit dose fractionation, compressed sampling or other statistical sampling methods. Overall an understanding of the x-ray physics, sample conditions and scanning geometries needs to be coupled to the cell design to effectively probe dynamic systems at the nanoscale and produce reliable, reproducible results.
The aim of this project is to develop tools for battery or electrochemical research which can enable in-operando studies. This is accomplished by developing the underlying hardware through sample cell development and developing new acquisition and analysis strategies for probing dynamic systems.
This is a collaboration between University of Liverpool, University College London and Diamond Light Source bringing expertise in imaging, experimental cell development, analysis and battery research to develop a world-leading battery characterization solution at Diamond.
Other information
Where appropriate for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements and secondment opportunities (e.g. for fixed-term contract positions).
Diamond are members of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion and we have achieved the Athena SWAN Bronze award and Disability Confident Level One. Women are underrepresented and so we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women. If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.