Inviting new user groups and moving towards more complex and diverse samples require synchrotron facilities to challenge their ways of operation. An important step was taken when beamline scientists and users met to discuss and solve issues in a recent workshop.
International collaboration advances research in two-dimensional gold nanostructures
An international team of researchers from Hokkaido University, Lund University, MAX IV Laboratory in Sweden, and Diamond Light Source in the UK has made significant progress in synthesising nanostructured two-dimensional gold films. This development could pave the way for advances in catalysis, electronics, and energy conversion.
Conversion of carbon dioxide into raw materials more effective with gold
Carbon dioxide, emitted mainly by combustion of fossil fuels, is harmful to the climate and the main reason for increased global warming. Diverting carbon dioxide into hydrogen carriers or chemicals such as methanol, a valuable raw material and energy carrier, is thus highly desired. Supported metal nanoparticle heterogeneous catalysts such as copper on zinc oxide is used for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol. Researchers have now discovered that it is possible to avoid by-products and at the same time make the process more sustainable by adding a small amount of gold to the catalyst.
Long-term governmental funding of MAX IV enabled by a change in ordinance
Today, the Swedish Government announces a modification of the ordinance that governs funding granted to research infrastructure of national interest. The change in the governing documents will allow the Swedish Research Council to grant funding for up to 10 years for MAX IV and similar research infrastructure.