ELIXIR

Electrochemical Interfaces Investigated by Correlated X-ray and IR spectroscopy

The new beamline at BESSY II combines for the first time IR and X-rays, both originating from the storage ring. ELIXIR is the low energy branch end station, operated by the groups of Prof. Hofmann (TU Darmstadt) and Prof. Hannappel (TU Ilmenau). The unique design allows space- and time-correlated investigations using IR- and X-ray spectroscopy, allowing a direct link between chemical speciation, electronic structure and vibrational information of adsorbates at solid-gas and solid-liquid model interfaces of technological relevance in, e.g. electrolyzers, fuel cells, and batteries.

The X-rays in the soft regime (40 – 1200 eV) will be used for Near-Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) with the focus on the electronic states near the Fermi level. Using Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), the energy range allows the investigation of the important first row transition metal L edges, O K-edge, as well as the Li K-edge relevant for Li-ion battery studies. IR spectroscopy in the Mid-IR regime is performed as Fourier Transform IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS). Both NAP-XPS and FT-IRRAS will be available in time-resolved modes.

The combination of a differentially pumped electron analyzer with a windowless differential pumping station at the beamline connection will allow working pressures up to 20 mbar. The sample temperature ranges from liq. N2 up to 600 °C. An attached preparation chamber incl. ALD capability and LEED optics allows the preparation and pre-characterization of well-defined surfaces.
Main capability of ELIXIR is the investigation of interactions between adsorbates and surfaces at operando conditions at the solid-gas interface as well as the solid-liquid interface. The latter is done by ultra-thin electrolyte layers created by dew point control of water. Relevant scientific fields are heterogeneous thermal catalysis, (photo-)electrochemistry, chemical energy conversion, gas sensors, batteries, as well as corrosion science.

Methods

NAP-XPS, XPS, LEED, NEXAFS, IR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry

Remote access

not possible

^{aktualisiert 09/2026}