photoelectron spectrometer

• Subject Area: Chemical Solid State and Surface Research
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584877984

The aim of this project is to establish an independently accessible analytical infrastructure for high resolution investigations of material surfaces and interfaces. The central technique is X ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which enables detailed analysis of chemical composition, oxidation states and reaction processes within the outermost nanometres of materials. A major scientific focus is placed on interfacial processes in electrochemical energy storage systems, particularly in battery materials beyond lithium based technologies. Sodium, potassium and magnesium based systems are considered key elements of future sustainable energy storage concepts, yet the chemical and electrochemical reactions at their interfaces are still insufficiently understood. These processes critically affect material performance, stability and lifetime. The project aims to investigate interfacial reactions under realistic operating conditions. For this purpose, time intensive in situ and operando experiments will be employed to monitor electrochemically induced surface changes directly during ongoing processes. Such experiments are methodologically demanding, require long uninterrupted measurement times and depend on specialized experimental components that are not available, or only very limited, on the currently accessible instrument at the site. In addition,the existing system is fully occupied with routine measurements and cannot accommodate multi day measurement campaigns that are essential for developing new experimental concepts. By restoring a currently inactive X ray photoelectron spectrometer, this will therefore not only increase measurement capacity but will also provide access to analytical components and experimental configurations that are otherwise unavailable at the site. These include advanced options for depth profiling, variable excitation conditions and flexible adjustment of experimental parameters, which are essential for the development of novel in situ and operando approaches. Furthermore, independent access to the system enables controlled studies of highly reactive materials while preventing contamination of other analytical infrastructure. Overall, the project constitutes a key structural prerequisite for establishing surface analysis research, advancing interface studies in post lithium energy storage materials, and providing comprehensive training for graduate and doctoral researchers beyond routine analytical measurements.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Photoelektronenspektrometer (Erneuerung)
• Instrumentation Group: 1780 Photoelektronenspektrometer (UPS und XPS)
• Applicant Institution: Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Anja Henß