Neutron Scattering Support Laboratory Symposium at MLZ

Mar 23, 2026, 8:15 AM → Mar 24, 2026, 4:00 PM Europe/Berlin

MLZ Campus Garching

Hello, and welcome to the 2026 Neutron Scattering Support Laboratory Symposium at MLZ!

 

You are constantly faced with new and unknown situations in the support laboratories of every larger neutron facility.

On March 23 and 24, we will meet in person at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) and via Zoom to exchange ideas, learn from each other,
and continue to build our ever-growing community.

We look forward to welcoming you to our facility for the first time!

 

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IMPORTANT!

Please don't forget to bring a valid identity card or passport, non-EU citizens require a valid passport (residence permits or driving licenses are not accepted) - without, access to the site can not be granted! 

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Mon, March 23

Registration: at MLZ reception

Welcome: to MLZ (and a quick update)

Talks: Part one

1 Solution Behavior of Catechol-Containing Copolymers: A SANS Study

Biomimetic catechol derivatives are promising building blocks for applications such as surface coatings and self-healing materials due to their strong adhesive properties. However, their broader applicability is limited by poor aqueous solubility. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of copolymers based on acetonide-protected dopamine acrylamide (DAAM) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAA) with systematically varied compositions, enabling controlled tuning of the hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance. DAAM is intrinsically water-insoluble, whereas HEAA is a water-soluble amphiphilic monomer. Acetonide protection suppresses radical scavenging during polymerization and can be removed under acidic conditions to restore catechol functionality.
The copolymers were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their solution behavior in pure d-DMSO and mixed d-DMSO/D$_2$O solvents was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering. Analysis using the correlation length model by Hammouda et al. yielded correlation lengths and excluded volumes for the different copolymer compositions. After deprotection, the solution behavior was re-examined. Comparison of protected and deprotected systems shows that catechol deprotection enhances hydrophilic interactions and enables additional intermolecular interactions, leading to pronounced changes in correlation length and excluded volume.

Speaker: Mr Philipp Hammers (Physical Chemistry I, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany)

2 Photoelectronic and neutron insights into chemically modified MoS2 for efficient HER catalysis

Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is a key component of future low-carbon energy systems. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a promising low-cost alternative to Pt catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), yet its performance is limited by incomplete understanding of hydrogen adsorption and transport. Here, we investigate hydrogen and water dynamics in MoS₂ systems prepared using electrochemical activation and chemical doping routes, combining advanced neutron spectroscopy with complementary X-ray techniques.
Electrochemically activated MoS₂ nano-powders were prepared by spray-coating MoS₂ inks onto graphite electrodes followed by acidic electrolysis, while Co- and N-doped MoS₂ nano-powders were synthesized via hydrothermal treatment and high-temperature ammonia processing, respectively. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS), neutron spin-echo (NSE) and inelastic neutron spectroscopy (INS) were employed to probe hydrogen motion and vibrational states across multiple time and length scales, supported by XPS, XRD and EDX analyses.
Neutron measurements reveal distinct dynamical regimes, including in-plane diffusion of hydrogen species in MoS₂ and enhanced mobility of molecular hydrogen. INS identifies vibrational signatures associated with S–H bonds and interfacial water, which intensify following electrochemical activation. Chemical doping strongly modifies hydrogen dynamics: nitrogen incorporation (up to ~20 at%) and cobalt addition generate defect-rich environments that significantly enhance hydrogen mobility. These results demonstrate how tailored sample preparation combined with neutron techniques at large-scale facilities enables direct insight into hydrogen transport mechanisms relevant to catalyst optimization.

Speaker: Aliki Gerakianaki (Institute Laue Langevin)

3 From Bench to Beam: Sample preparation and characterisation at MLZ support laboratories prior to beamtime experiments

High-quality neutron scattering experiments require robust sample preparation and prior in-depth characterisation. I will address some of the possibilities for advanced sample preparation and characterisation workflow at MLZ support laboratories prior to neutron and x-ray beamtime experiments which were made at ILL Grenoble, ISIS UK, ALBA Barcelona, ESRF Grenoble, and KWS-X JCNS. These include, but are not limited to, molecular weight distribution analysis, calorimetry, rheological properties, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis, and hydrogen–deuterium exchange for soft matter samples. Additional computational resources enabling the coupling of experiments to molecular simulations are available, including training opportunities in data analysis, software workflows, and machine learning.

Speaker: Pallab Kumar Borah (Technical University of Munich)

10:15 AM Coffee break

Talks: Part two

4 Low temperature characterisation of Lithium-ion battery electrolyte components

The performance, safety, and stability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can be enhanced through targeted optimisation of both the charge-storing electrode materials and the charge-transporting liquid electrolytes. While LIB research has primarily focused on the electrode subsystem, liquid electrolytes have received considerably less attention. When LIBs are cooled to study their performance at low temperatures, a series of Bragg reflections is observed and attributed to the freezing of the liquid electrolyte. Further investigations reveal the formation of long-range order within a model electrolyte system. To gain a deeper understanding of this emerging order, it is important to study the individual components of the electrolyte system, especially under conditions near room temperature relevant to in situ sub-ambient LIB investigations. Although the main focus of the study is on large-scale diffraction experiments, these would not be possible without the ability to prepare samples both at the home institute and at the measurement facility. Additionally, complementary characterisation methods are crucial for preparing measurements and supporting the findings. These methods form the basis of this contribution.

Speaker: Lea Westphal (TUM/MLZ)

5 Current and Emerging Support Capabilities at CSNS Support Laboratories

High-quality neutron scattering experiments require reliable sample preparation and comprehensive pre-characterisation. This contribution presents the current support laboratory infrastructure at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) and its role in enabling neutron user experiments in biological, chemical, and solid-state materials research.
CSNS operates five dedicated support laboratories providing sample preparation and characterisation prior to neutron beamtime now. Available instrumentation includes X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–VIS spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and complementary facilities, allowing assessment of structural and chemical properties of samples. In addition, a deuteration team is currently under development to strengthen support for experiments requiring isotopic contrast.
Further developments include a new laboratory building under construction and the planned expansion of the equipment portfolio, including quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), Langmuir troughs, ellipsometry, and laboratory-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with commissioning foreseen by 2026. Feedback on current support laboratory operations and perspectives for improved efficiency and effectiveness will also be presented.

Speaker: Tianhao Ge (China Spallation Neutron Source)

6 From Furnace to Beamtime: A Uniaxial Strain Pipeline for Correlated Materials

Reversible uniaxial strain is a unique tuning knob for correlated electrons materials, offering directional lattice control to access and stabilise competing phases. We present the strain enabled workflow supported by the R53 Characterisation Lab and the UCL ISIS laboratory: in-house crystal growth, SXRD/bulk screening (MPMS/PPMS/Dynacool), Laue-based orientation, cutting/polishing, mounting in strain cells, and calibration via lab diffraction. We also describe progress toward AC susceptibility under strain using high-sensitivity pickup coils. TbMnO₃ is shown as a representative example connecting diffraction changes to bulk magneto-electric response.

Speaker: Diego Barlettani (UCL, Diamond Light Source)

Group photo: of all participants

12:00 PM Lunch break

Tour: of labs in UYL

3:00 PM Coffee break

Tour: of labs in UYM and a short glimpse into the Neutron Guide Hall East

Dinner: at Wirtshaus in der Au

Tue, March 24

Talks: Facilities' updates

10:15 AM Coffee break

Shared whiteboard: and Discussion

12:00 PM Lunch

Tour: Prebooked guided tour of the reactor