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Making X-ray movies for ultrafast dynamics in nanomatter

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop method to disentangle X-ray diffraction patterns from two snapshots captured by a single detector exposure, enabling ultrafast structural changes in nanoscale objects to be observed. This breakthrough opens the door to studying rapid changes in nanoparticles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2026

Element-specific x-ray study shows both iron and cobalt suppress thermal expansion in stainless invar alloys, with iron's effect stronger

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and atomic-scale computer simulation to measure how iron and cobalt atoms individually respond to temperature change. Iron and cobalt both contribute to suppressing thermal expansion, but iron's effect is stronger and shifts with small changes in the iron-to-cobalt ratio.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Researchers develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Cryogenic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals native solid electrolyte interphase structure and dynamics in Li metal batteries

The study introduces a promising methodology for elucidating dynamic and heterogeneous chemical signatures across evolving solid-liquid interfaces. Researchers used cryo-XPS to analyze the native SEI composition, revealing a mixed organic-inorganic structure.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 16, 2025

Archaeologists use X-rays to distinguish iron from different periods of America’s colonial past

A new study demonstrates that microscopic differences in iron can be spotted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowing archaeologists to identify the origin of Spanish iron objects. This technique follows a quiet revolution in southeast archaeology, where metal detectors have been adopted for large-scale survey work.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Historical Archaeology·DateAug 13, 2025

Diamond materials as solar-powered electrodes - spectroscopy shows what's important

Researchers have found that diamond materials can release electrons in water and trigger chemical reactions when excited by light. The team used X-ray spectroscopy to precisely track the processes taking place on the surface of diamond materials, revealing that they are well-suited for use in aqueous solutions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Mapping molecular funnels with X-rays: precise timings of non-adiabatic excited state dynamics

Scientists at Stockholm University propose a nonlinear spectroscopic technique to investigate coupled nuclear electronic dynamics in photo-excited molecules. This approach allows for the observation of conical intersections, which are 'funnels' connecting different electronic states, and provides insight into non-adiabatic dynamics.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Watching the fate of molecular nitrogen with X-rays, when an electron has been kicked out

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Uniquely sharp X-ray view

For the first time, scientists have successfully used transient grating spectroscopy with ultrafast X-rays to explore material properties at the atomic level. This method allows for the observation of individual atoms and selective measurement of specific chemical elements in a mixture of substances.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 22, 2021

Mapping out a transient atom

A new experiment provides insights into transient atomic states, enabling better understanding of photocatalysis, elementary steps in photosynthesis and radiation damage. The study uses high-resolution electron spectroscopy to capture a snapshot of the short-lived state produced when X-rays interact with neon atoms.

SourceEuropean XFEL·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 22, 2020

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under real ambient pressure conditions

Researchers successfully improved an ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy instrument using hard X-rays to measure samples under real atmospheric pressure for the first time. This achievement broadens the range of applications for photoelectron spectroscopy, enabling direct examination of reactions between solids and gases.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 27, 2017

Making a good thing better

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 19, 2014

Recovering Pompeii

Researchers from France and Italy used synchrotron light to investigate the mysterious darkening of ancient Pompeii wall paintings, discovering chemical reactions involving chlorine, mercury, and calcite. The study provides new insights for conservators and preservation of Roman archaeological sites.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2006