Application of synchrotron techniques in material science and nanotechnology

The research focus includes synthesis with emphasis on incorporation of catalytically active transition metals; and in situ characterisation of porous functional materials such as aerogels and zeotypes. We are experienced users of synchrotron facilities such as the Swiss Norwegian Beamlines (SNBL, pictured above) in Grenoble France. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of our materials under realistic working conditions help us understand and identify catalytically active metal species.

Research areas

• Functionalisation of hydrophobic silica aerogels with catalytically active metal species. Our research on copper silica aerogels and their performance for the removal of NOx from combustion engine exhaust was described in:
  
  Renere luft med luftig gel (forskning.no)
  Dette stoffet kan gi renere bilutslipp (Aftenposten)
   
• We have a new collaboration with the University of Glasgow to develop bifunctional materials consisting of metal species on three-dimensional carriers for the ammonia synthesis.
• Hierachical zeotypes with projects including modification of porosity in zeotypes with the aims of introducing mesopores which can function as super-highways to microreactors.