TU Wien has joined forces with the CEST, opens an external URL in a new window Competence Centre for Electrochemical (EC) Surface Technology to establish a unique Electrochemical Surface and Interface Analysis Cluster (ELSA). Two complementary high-resolution ultra-high vacuum spectrometers will bridge the gap between basic and application-oriented research.

April 2024

The ELSA cluster has been setup and is open for scientific and industrial use.

This ultra-high vacuum system, which is unique in Austria, includes state-of-the-art surface and nanoanalysis (XPS and AES), a radial distribution chamber, a vacuum suitcase that enables sample transfer under vacuum between different systems and various preparation chambers. Electrochemical experiments can now be carried out in these chambers. A Kelvin probe has also been installed on the new system. This means that quasi in-situ measurements for complex systems (for example electrodes for analysis, for electrolysis or battery interface analysis) are now possible.

If you are interested in a short, medium or long-term cooperation, please contact the AIC management to discuss possible measurement options and cooperation models related to your personal concerns.

Details on the respective infrastructure with all available components can be found here: ultra-high vacuum system

December 2023

On 13 December 2023, the ultra-high vacuum components ordered from PREVAC, opens an external URL in a new window were delivered for attachment to the Versaprobe III system. PREVAC, opens an external URL in a new window employees then took over the installation. The delivery included a radial distribution chamber, a vacuum case, which enables sample transfer under vacuum between different systems, and a preparation chamber in which electrochemical experiments can be carried out. A Kelvin probe was also installed on the new system.

July 2023

A radial distribution chamber and additional UHV components were ordered from PREVAC, opens an external URL in a new window.

February 2023

The acceptance of all specifications was done and the internal user service was opened selectively.

December 2022

The laboratory is ready to move-in and installation has begun. The first spectra have been measured.

August 2022

The Ukraine crisis and rising energy prices make it impossible to transport the equipment by air. For this reason, the equipment is being transported via ship from Japan to Hamburg, where it continues by train, so that the boxes with the high-tech equipment can be unloaded in Operngasse on 11 August 2022.

The AIC team would like to thank GUT, the freight masters and the physics workshop for their kind support, with whose assistance a smooth delivery and storage process was possible.

The delivery in numbers:

• 11 boxes
• 7,5 tonnes
• 45,7 cubic metres

May 2021

The order for the VersaProbe III and the PHI 710 Scanning Auger Nanoprobe has been placed with Physical Electronics, opens an external URL in a new window. The two devices will be assembled by ULVac-PHI, opens an external URL in a new window in Japan before they make their way to Vienna. 

April 2021

The project was approved and officially launched on 1 January 2021. 

The AIC would like to thank the FFG, opens an external URL in a new window for funding the infrastructure "ELSA", FFG Project No. 884672.

October, 2020

TU Wien has joined forces with the CEST, opens an external URL in a new window Competence Centre for Electrochemical (EC) Surface Technology to establish a unique Electrochemical Surface and Interface Analysis Cluster (ELSA). Two complementary high-resolution ultra-high vacuum spectrometers will bridge the gap between basic and application-oriented research. To this end, a project application for research and development infrastructure funding, opens an external URL in a new window was submitted to the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG, opens an external URL in a new window). 

The spectrometers are

• a high-resolution Auger electron spectrometer
• a scanning X-ray photoelectron spectrometer

The spectrometers will be connected to each other via a vacuum distribution chamber where electrochemical experiments can be performed, allowing quasi in-situ experiments to be carried out. A Kelvin probe will complement the setup.

This unique infrastructure will cover a wide range of research topics at CEST and TU Wien, and will also be available to external users. This will also cover all areas of EC surface science and its applications, such as: development of new battery and fuel cell materials, stable electro-catalysts for large-scale water splitting (hydrogen production) and for the prevention of corrosive degradation of, for example, structural and functional materials.