An in situ liquid environment for synchrotron hard X-ray nanoprobe microscopy

Studying chemical reactions in an environment that closely mimics the system's natural operating conditions can offer crucial insights into dynamic oxidation processes. Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) and X-ray Nanoprobes allow the use of imaging and spectroscopy to access nanoscale chemical and structural information about these processes. However, the controlled operating conditions and constraints make the design and implementation of in situ sample environments challenging. Here, we outline the setup of an in situ liquid sample environment for the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline (I14) at Diamond Light Source. The liquid environment allows for the imaging and spectroscopic analysis of samples exposed to liquid flow, with heating up to 80celcius. The capability is demonstrated with an example experiment studying iron corrosion. The design of the sample cell offers the prospect of combining X-ray and electron microscopy for the in situ multi-length scale imaging and spectroscopy of samples in liquid.

Automated summary

Studying chemical reactions in a natural environment-like setting provides important insights into dynamic oxidation processes. The use of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) and X-ray Nanoprobes allows for nanoscale chemical and structural information through imaging and spectroscopy. However, the design and implementation of in situ sample environments face challenges due to controlled operating conditions and constraints. This article outlines the setup of an in situ liquid sample environment for the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline (I14) at Diamond Light Source, with the capability of imaging and spectroscopic analysis of samples exposed to liquid flow and heating up to 80 degrees Celsius. The design of the sample cell offers the potential of combining X-ray and electron microscopy for in situ multi-length scale imaging and spectroscopy of samples in liquid.