Nanomaterial Structure - Jensen Group

X-ray and neutron scattering for nanomaterial characterization
The development of materials for sustainable energy such as catalysis, solar cels and batteries builds on an understanding of the intricate relation between material structure and properties. Only by knowing the atomic arrangement can the mechanisms responsible for material properties be elucidated and new materials developed.

We use X-ray and neutron scattering to study the atomic structure of materials. By combining traditional crystallographic methods with new total scattering techniques, we are able to elucidate the structures even in ultrasmall nanoparticles, where the atomic arrangement differ significantly from the bulk. In addition to using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques for studying the atomic structure of materials, we also actively engage in the development of advanced methods for analyzing X-ray scattering data.

Nanomaterials for energy
Nanomaterials play a large role in the development of new technologies for energy storage and conservation, e..g, batteries and catalysis. In other fields, such as sensors, ‘smart’ windows and new electronics, nanomaterials are known to be equally important.  The properties of materials are highly dependent on both the atomic arrangement and the nanostructure of the material, and it is therefore crucial to be able to precisely control particle characteristics during synthesis.

We combine methods in nanomaterial synthesis with traditional solid state chemistry to form nanomaterials with tailormade characteristics and properties. We are particularly interested in ultrasmall nanoparticles and clusters with dimensions below 5 nm, where the atomic structure and material properties are fundamentally different from bulk.

Understanding the formation of nanoparticles – watching materials form with X-rays
X-ray total scattering allows strutural information to be obtained from both amorphous and crystalline samples; liquids as well as solids. By using X-ray total scattering in situ during nanoaparticle formation i.e. by taking X-ray data while the synthesis takes place, we are able to follow the structural transformation that takes place as the atoms arrange to form ordered nanoparticles. This gives us new insight into reaction mechanisms, taking us one step closer to ‘materials by design’.