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Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

What is NAP-XPS?

The new Near-Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) at iNano offers an advanced platform for detailed surface chemical analysis of materials under near-realistic environmental pressures (20 mbar). Equipped with dual Aluminium and Chromium X-ray sources for versatile spectral capability (analysis depth ~10–30 nm), it features a directly coupled glove box for preparing air-sensitive samples and a vacuum suitcase for contamination-free sample transfer.

What can you do with NAP-XPS?

NAP-XPS is a powerful technique for probing the dynamic surface chemistry of materials critical to energy storage, catalysis, and polymer science. It provides in situ insights into the chemical states and interfacial reactions of battery electrodes, catalytic surfaces, and polymer interfaces under operating or ambient conditions, enabling a molecular-level understanding essential for advancing material performance and durability.

Applications

  • Catalysis:

     operando probing of catalytic sites and intermediates

  • Batteries & energy storage

     in situ electrode interface and degradation analysis

  • Polymers

     real-time monitoring of chemical changes and degradation

  • Corrosion & surface protection

     evaluation of corrosion dynamics and coating performance

  • Biological material

     surface analysis of tissues, cells, and biomaterials

  • Food science

     composition assessment of food surfaces and packaging

Availability and Access

  • Access granted after review and approval of a short project description
  • Open to Aarhus University and external collaborators
  • Available from May 2026, pending project description approval
  • Early contact recommended for access arrangements
  • Inert atmosphere sample preparation with integrated glove box
  • Contamination-free sample transfer via vacuum suitcase
  • Flexible scheduling and customizable electrochemical cells