EXPLORE ESRF BEAMLINES - ID31 Beamline - High Energy X-rays at ID31: The Ultimate Tool for Operando Characterization of Electrochemical Systems- Jakub Drnec

The ESRF ID31 beamline is dedicated to surface and interface studies and electrochemical science, utilizing the advantages of the Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS). The beamline's activities are predominantly focused on energy conversion and storage, alongside metallurgy and industrial research. The beamline supports a comprehensive range of techniques: Wide Angle Diffraction, Reflectivity, Small Angle Scattering, Diffuse Scattering, and Pair Distribution Function analyses. The X-ray capabilities are powered by a cryo-cooled in-vacuum undulator (U14) and a cryo-cooled bent Laue-Laue monochromator operating up to 150 keV. The beam size is highly adjustable, ranging from macro spots down to 1 μm×200 nm through a system of three transfocators.

Scientific highlights showcase extensive work on electrocatalysis and Li-ion batteries, often employing in-situ and operando methods. Examples of research includes: correlating strain with electrochemical activity in 2D oxide membranes , understanding the cyclic decay in CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR) due to KHCO3 crystal dynamics , and using coupled X-ray/Neutron Computed Tomography (NXCT) and SWAXS-CT to study aging and deformation in Li-ion cells. ID31 also collaborates with industrial partners through the TEESMAT project, addressing challenges like predicting battery lifetime and troubleshooting flexible electrode manufacturing.