Microgels are versatile soft colloids used for example as pharmaceutical carriers or for sensing applications. In a recent study, X-ray methods are used to uncover details about their properties to open ways for further optimisation.
A record year for research at MAX IV
MAX IV is making significant societal contributions in terms of record-high scientific productivity. In 2023, the number of publications increased by 51% compared to the previous year, and the number of unique users increased by 31%. Moreover, the number of proposals submitted in the most recent Open Call was higher than ever.
Nanoscience for clean water at ForMAX supported by ReMade@ARI
Alejandro Cortés Villena and Alessandro Ciccone from Institute of Molecular Science in Valencia are using the ForMAX beamline as part of their research supported by ReMade@ARI, a collaboration project focusing on Circular Economy. They are studying carbon-based nanomaterials that are going to be used for enabling cleaning of contaminants in water with the help of sunlight through photocatalysis.
Research done at MAX IV contributes to CIGS solar cell world record
A recent publication from Uppsala University reported a world record for efficiency for a CIGS solar cell. Nano X-ray Fluorescence imaging was done at beamline NanoMAX. With this method, the researchers can detect which elements are present in the sample on the nanometre scale. By scanning the sample, they can acquire an image with a
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.
To glue and be glued – unusual electron pairing gives clue to high-temperature superconductivity
A team of researchers have studied the high-temperature superconducting cuprate-material Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 with a small amount of electron-rich atoms added, a practice called electron-doping. The material turns out to have unusual electronic properties underpinning its superconductivity. The result has important implications for a larger group of similar superconducting materials.
COHERENCE 2024 – 16-20th of June 2024
MAX IV invites you to the 11th International Conference on Phase Retrieval and Coherent Scattering, COHERENCE 2024, which will occur on 16-20 June 2024. Join us and take the opportunity to connect with peers and get up to speed on the latest topics and updates in phase retrieval and coherent scattering! Early bird registration is now open until March 20, 2024.
Lantmännen investigating wheat bran for better-tasting fibre
Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen is using the ForMAX beamline together with researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Lund University for investigating the structure of wheat bran. The team hope to get clues on how to extract more fiber from the bran to use in tasty food products with health benefits.
Well attended 35th User Meeting with a forward look
MAX IV would like to thank our staff, attendees, and vendors for an inspiring time during the 2024 MAX IV User Meeting, which brought together 370 participants.