Danielle is UoMaH’s new Data Analysis Manager, supporting data handling, processing and visualisation of X-ray and neutron datasets. She is focused on the development of data analysis pipelines for 3D X-ray and neutron datasets. 

She earned her PhD in materials science from Northwestern University where she studied biominerals through advanced characterisation techniques and crystallisation experiments. Prior to her doctoral work she worked as a scientist at Glassimetal Technology and Thermo Fisher Scientific after completing her bachelor’s degree in physics.

• Dr Sharif Ahmed, Diamond Light Source, UK 
• Dr Awen Autret, Novitom, France 
• Dr Mark Basham, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, UK 
• Dr Ramona Duman, Diamond Light Source, UK 
• Dr David Eastwood, The University of Manchester at Harwell, UK 
• Prof Bill Lionheart, The University of Manchester, UK 
• Dr Federico Sket, IMDEA Materials Institute, Spain 
• Dr Yentl Swolfs, KU Leuven, Belgium 

Our excellent speakers presented a variety of complementary imaging techniques (Dual Imaging and Diffraction, fast synchrotron tomography imaging, macromolecular crystallography informed by tomography, combining X-ray tomography/ptychography with laser and electron microscopy) that were applied in various applications (enamel caries, damage of composites, mechanical behaviour of bone scaffolds, aerolised particles: observation of engine ash, filtering and retention in face masks, HSE cough simulator). Challenges in deep-learning, such as lack of training data or insufficient data quality, were addressed and some nice example of deep learning application were presented: multimodal imaging of placenta to prevent stillbirth, enhancing 4D low-resolution datasets, denoising CT datasets, correcting beam hardening and rings artefact. Finally, the workshop revealed the importance of developing bespoke software for every aspect of the imaging chain: X-ray CT simulation to educate and optimise scanning, deep-learning segmentation, 3D image quantification, mechanical information from digital volume correlation, simulation, etc. One step further in the development of imaging techniques is what we call “rich tomography” which allow extracting additional information about the sample properties and state. Future directions into this exciting discipline were highlighted at the end of the workshop. 

Techniques/rigs development, data mining and software have been a game changer for many applications over the past workshops and we will expand further this growing momentum during the 8th workshop next year. 

Posters and poster prizes 
Thank you to everyone who presented a poster and congratulations to our three poster winners: 

• 1st Kai Zhang, University College London 
• 2nd Sudip Bose, The University of Manchester 
• 3rd Mehdikhani Mahoor, KU Leuven 

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our speakers, chairs, sponsors and delegates who helped make the conference a success 
 

Damien Freitas is our new Research Fellow in Extremes – The Mechanics of Condensed Matter Under Extreme Compression, joining UoMaH in April 2023.  

Damien has a background in experimental petrology (geology) and characterisation at extreme conditions. He has a PhD in The transport properties of Earth’s upper mantle materials: insights from in situ HP-HT experiments from Université Clermont Auvergne in which he investigated properties rocks and magmas at extreme conditions in planetary interiors. 

He has been working as a postdoc at The University of Edinburgh for the last 3 years on 4D quantification of micro-scale feedbacks in dehydrating, deforming rocks. He developed the new generation of x-ray transparent triaxial apparatus allowing in situ time resolved synchrotron microtomography investigations, a little revolution in experimental geosciences. 

He has a broad experience of working at various synchrotrons, including Diamond (I12), ESRF, Soleil, SLS-Tomcat, APS and Petra III with a wide set of experimental high-pressure devices ranging from a few bars to 100 GPa.  

Damien is looking forward to integrating UoMaH’s team and bring his experimental developments and expertise in extreme environments.  He will mainly focus on expanding the pressure range of the new triaxial rigs for 4D investigations of dynamic rock systems, subsurface resource and its engineering solutions. He will use such developments and their adaptation to new in situ techniques and reactive materials under high pressure. 

He would like to support academics to perform experiments at extremes at Harwell and national facilities.

Welcome, Damien!

Catalysts play a pivotal role in facilitating chemical reactions that underlie essential industrial processes, from refining fuels to manufacturing pharmaceuticals. In a recent pioneering study, researchers from The University of Manchester at Harwell (UoMaH), in collaboration with counterparts from Diamond Light Source, University College London, the University of Sheffield, and the Department of Chemistry at The University of Manchester, have shed new light on catalyst behaviour using operando spectroscopic techniques. This innovative approach provides a deeper understanding of the catalyst, potentially revolutionizing the field through advanced understanding. 

Operando spectroscopy stands as a powerful technique allowing scientists to observe catalysts in real-time during reactions. Unlike traditional laboratory-based studies, this method captures catalysts in action under authentic conditions, providing previously unattainable insights. UoMaH researchers have taken this technique to the next level by designing experimental setups tailored to investigate catalysts functioning within liquid and gas phase reactors. 

One noteworthy revelation stemming from this study pertains to alcohol oxidation catalysis. By employing operando spectroscopy, researchers examined isolated Pd sites supported on NiO, a catalyst renowned for its function in alcohol oxidation. This analysis not only elucidated the catalyst's performance decline over the course of a reaction but also pinpointed the underlying factors. This mechanistic understanding is akin to identifying the factors causing occasional missteps in a well-choreographed performance. 

In a separate study, a microfluidic device was harnessed to monitor the growth of Pt nanoparticle colloids, crucial players in various catalytic processes. This observation is akin to closely inspecting the inner workings of a complex machine. In a similar fashion, soluble Fe species resulting from reactor corrosion during CO2 capture have also been investigated. This insight holds potential for enhancing chemical reactor resilience and performance. 

Extending their investigation to vapour and gas phase processes, the study delved into the nature of Nb sites implicated in pentadiene production from biomass. This discovery enriches our understanding of intricate catalyst-substrate interactions. Similarly, a separate study explored the dynamic behaviour of Ni nanoparticle surfaces during CO2 capture and conversion, contributing insights into sustainable CO2 transformation pathways. 

This collaboration between UoMaH researchers and their partners is a pivotal advancement in comprehending catalyst behaviour. The application of operando spectroscopy in studying catalysts under realistic conditions is transformative. This deeper insight holds potential implications for catalyst design, process optimization, and sustainable industrial practices. By elucidating the intricate mechanisms governing catalyst behaviour, this study opens new avenues for innovation, steering the scientific community towards more efficient and eco-friendly catalysts. 

In conclusion, the pioneering use of operando spectroscopy by UoMaH researchers and collaborators provides a tangible step forward in the world of catalyst research. The study's contribution towards unravelling the operational dynamics of catalysts has the potential to impact diverse industries, from energy to pharmaceuticals. This work not only enhances our understanding of catalysts but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in catalytic design and application. 

 

Thanks to our excellent speakers, a variety of complementary imaging techniques (contrast-enhanced microCT imaging, ptychographic tomography, combining X-ray and laser light for 3D correlative imaging, hierarchical phase-contrast tomography, X-ray generation through laser-plasma accelerator technology) were highlighted and applied for static/dynamic studies (staining of soft tissues, earth deformation, cellular imaging, failure of batteries, soil and rock engineering, heritage, bone diagenesis, nuclear waste behaviour). With the huge amount of data generated, especially with techniques such as HiP-CT (image of a whole brain at 7.7 µm ~ 12TB!), the workshop revealed again the problem we are facing with data manipulation and the need to develop new ways to visualise, extract and predict/validate scientific information from the datasets.

Techniques/rigs development and data mining have been a game changer for many applications over the past workshops and we will expand further this growing momentum during the 7th workshop next year. 

Posters and poster prizes 
Thank you to everyone who presented a poster and congratulations to our three poster winners: 

1st Damien Freitas, The University of Manchester 
2nd Sarah Davidson, University of Oxford 
3rd Alissa Parmenter, University College London 

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our speakers, chairs, sponsors and delegates who helped to make the conference a success.

We were able to correlate images taken by different techniques and thereby infer virus location within droplets on a submicron level. Additionally synchrotron x-ray tomography revealed the microscale filtration mechanisms in different face masks and coverings under simulated breathing and humidification. 

This work aims to improve scientific evidence base behind responses to the pandemic and to future threats through the UK Government's NCS PROTECT programme.