PHOTON SCIENCE

Introduction

The DESY NanoLab with its Spectroscopy-, Microscopy-, Laser-, Electrochemistry- and X-ray labs offers a wide range of analytical tools for our specific research goals.
These possiblities combined with large scale facilities analysis lead to various research highlights we would like to present.

Publication highlights (in chronological order):

• Assembling pieces of a molecular puzzle. Research reveals surprising bonding of amino acid cysteine at DESY NanoLab. The atomic-level discoveries promise surprising advances in smart biosensors, medical coatings and innovative technologies that work hand in hand with biology.
• New extraordinary insights into Nanocatalysts in Action. Using a combination of microscopic analyses and spectromicroscopy, a team has gained new insights into the chemical behaviour of nanocatalysts during catalysis.
• Nanoburgers with promising flaws. DESY NanoLab team finds surprising defects in tiny metal particles which could stimulate the development of more efficient catalysts
• Slow iron hopping through magnetite follows one specific path. The outcome of this study provides new insights addressing the stability of magnetite when used in various applications such as magnetic nanoparticles.
• Observed live for the first time: Photocatalysts switch off a virus. Whitening agent titanium dioxide kills viruses – now researchers see it at work at the nanoscale
• Combined IR spectroscopy and surface X-Ray diffraction setup for chemical and structural in-situ characterisation. New instrument development tested at PETRA III
• Engineered wall paint could kill corona viruses - Investigation of aerosols on titanium dioxide shows promising routes to surface and air disinfection
• Photoinduced Dynamics at the Water/TiO2⁢(101) Interface - Study at FLASH of surface reactions in real-time
• Solvent affects structure of nano-coatings - And materials made of nanoparticles can be hardened by heating
• Nano-chocolates that store hydrogen - Innovative ideas for the energy carrier of the future
• X-ray view into hydrogen production - Analysis points the way to more durable iridium electrodes
• Unprecedented view of a single catalyst nanoparticle at work - X-rays reveal compositional changes on active surface under reaction conditions
• Unexpected twist of catalytic nanoparticles - Precise orientation affects shape, size and behaviour
• Dance of the molecules - Scientists observe vibrational dynamics of organic acid molecules on iron oxide surface