Research Group:
Environmental Materials Science Collaborative Research Groups
Contact:
| Kyoko Okada |
| 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5198, JAPAN |
| Telephone: +81-791-58-0803iext.3892j |
| okadaiatjspring8.or.jp |
Research Area:
Fundamental Characterization, Applied Materials, Measurements
Beamline:
BL01B1, BL02B1, BL02B2, BL04B1, BL08W, BL13XU, BL14B2, BL19B2, BL27SU, BL37XU, BL39XU
Overview of Research Group, Goals and Purposes:
The purpose of this research group is to analyze and evaluate various "environmental materials" from various angles and viewpoints seamlessly by longitudinally utilizing hard and soft X-rays of SPring-8/SPring-8-II and soft X-rays of NanoTerasu. We aim to develop a new cross-disciplinary material science with a view to elucidating the entire material cycle from the Earth's surface to the space (solar system), and furthermore, to give back to human society, and to enjoy scientific research freely without being bound by preconceived ideas. We pursue phenomena and experimental data both deductively and inductively, leading to world-leading unique research. We welcome both those who have used synchrotron radiation and those who have not. Science is a universal language, and our goal is to pass on our achievements and techniques to the future, even a hundred years from now.
The research group will proceed science with element-specific chemical state and structural analysis in three dimensions with depth-resolved and high-energy resolution at the nano- to micro-level. The categories envisaged for measurement are samples that have so far been difficult to measure, e.g. functional objects with complex three-dimensional structures consisting of multiple elements, insulators, clay minerals, and other wet samples. We select the best method
(see: https://new.spring8.or.jp/index.php/2020-12-21-05-29-40/2022-01-27-06-00-47), X-ray energy, size and intensity for the observation of each sample in order to elucidate the function and properties of the material. In the future, operando measurements are also important targets that this group aimed at.
The group will discuss and act on the upgrading of analytical methods and detectors. For example, a new High Energy Resolved Fluorescence Detection (HERFD)-XANES will be proposed, which uses detectors with energy-dispersive detector with much higher energy resolution than SDD and equal to or better than TES, with more than 10 000 pixels and capable of handling the high flux of synchrotron radiation. The technique allows us to measure very small amounts of elements above boron or carbon with more chemical information. In particular, in the soft X-ray range, while further research on the application of scanning and imaging microscopy will be carried out, microbeam mapping at 50-100 Ęm will be used non-destructively on insulators and wet samples. In particular, the analysis at the same location on the same sample, both on the surface and in the bulk, to determine the chemical states of the lighter elements (B, C, O, F, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Si, Ca, etc.) will also be proposed, as will a new soft X-ray XAFS using a differential pumping system that also performs three-dimensional depth-resolved and interface analysis of chemical states. In the hard X-ray region, we will promote ultra-sensitive X-ray analytical analysis for trace elements based on HERFD-XANES to a variety of elements and absorption edges. We will open up new scientific horizons by boldly taking up the challenge of new measurement methods using other techniques. We will also propose efficient measurement and analysis through rational automation, remote measurement, and the use of AI. Furthermore, we propose the correlation between structural and chemical information and physical properties and functions, and the elucidation of fundamental physical processes, while also incorporating the effective use of big data.
The aim of the group is to understand and share the benefits and challenges of SPring-8/SPring-8-II/NanoTerasu, to maximise results, to create new fields of research, and to attract new users. Since it is expected that most members in the research group will use multiple beamlines and multiple analytical methods, the following four specific activities are planned for the first two years. (1) organising research groups to discuss scientific themes and measurement methods, and to discuss and disseminate the sophistication and rationalisation of measurement methods; (2) organising SPring-8 workshops to disseminate reliable data acquisition methods and the basics of scientific analysis (multiple beamlines, multiple methods); and (3) compilation of wishes for the reorganisation of beamlines at SPring-8: discussion on how to take into account material properties and the measurement environment; (4) establishment of an international and interdisciplinary research frame.