Creating atomic-scale imagery with electron microscopy facilities
Seeing the unseeable with detectors for elemental mapping through both energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Book the facilityCardiff University’s electron microscopy facility is designed for researchers who want to push boundaries.
Our advanced electron microscopes and preparation equipment give you the precision and capability to explore nanomaterials at the highest level – enabling new strategies for catalyst design and synthesis.
5 electron microscopes
These include both scanning and transmission electron microscopes.
Sample preparation equipment
Available for most types of samples, from cutting and polishing of metals and ceramic samples, to cryo-preparation for biological samples.
Support for external partners
From large-scale externally funded projects to single microscope sessions.
“Cardiff University’s advanced electron microscopy facilities were instrumental to the success of our Innovate UK project. Their capabilities allowed us to visualise the atomic-level structure and elemental distribution of our nanocatalysts, providing the critical data needed to link our solvent-free PVD manufacturing parameters directly to catalytic performance. This insight was vital for optimising our formulations and de-risking the scale-up to our pilot catalyst production system funded by Innovate UK grant.”
— Yubiao Niu, CEO of We Are Nium Ltd
Across the schools of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, we have 5 electron microscopes that are capable of providing images of materials down to the atomic scale. These include both scanning and transmission electron microscopes.
Our microscopes are equipped with detectors for elemental mapping through both energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. In addition, microscopes are equipped with electron backscatter diffraction detectors for crystallographic mapping and wavelength dispersive spectrometers for accurate quantification of composition. Sample preparation equipment is available for most types of samples, from cutting and polishing of metals and ceramic samples, to cryo-preparation for biological samples.
We have a well-established track record of supporting external partners to access our facilities, from large-scale externally funded projects to single microscope sessions. For simple access of microscopes, external partners only need to fill in a short form, which can be requested through contacting the facility managers. Once booked, you are welcome to either attend an experiment in person or to send your samples to be characterised by our team of expert staff.
The Cardiff Catalysis Institute Electron Microscope Facility
Providing facilities to help researchers and industry work together, this unique facility positions Cardiff University as a leading centre for catalyst imaging and characterisation.
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