Enabling (quasi)-in-situ analytical field-ion microscopy of active CCSS catalysts (B04)

• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Thermodynamics and Kinetics as well as Properties of Phases and Microstructure of Materials
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 506711657

No microscopy and microanalysis technique readily exists that can analyse these three-dimensional atomic motifs with true atomic resolution in real space and high chemical sensitivity, which are necessary for analysing SAA of CCSS. Field-ion microscopy was the first technique allowing direct imaging of individual atoms at the surface of a metal. However, its inability to discern the elemental nature of the imaged atoms caused it to be superseded by atom probe tomography. PIs Gault and Freysoldt pioneered an approach that combines experimental and theoretical work to provide FIM with an ability to determine which element is being imaged. B04 will advance this new technique, analytical FIM in order to analyse catalytically active SAA in CCSS.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1625: Atomic-scale understanding and design of multifunctional compositionally complex solid solution surfaces
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Project Heads: Dr. Christoph Freysoldt, since 1/2024; Baptiste Jean Germain Gault, Ph.D., since 1/2024