ISIS Advanced Materials Science Highlights

Advanced Materials Science Highlights

More new materials have been made in the last 20 years than in the rest of history. ISIS provides scientists with unique views of these materials.

Neutrons are uncharged constituents of atoms and penetrate materials well, deflecting only from the nuclei of atoms. Neutrons play a definitive role in understanding the material world. They can show where atoms are and what atoms do. Materials research at ISIS covers everything from developing thermoelectric materials, which convert waste heat directly into electricity, to studying materials for use in "smart" computers. Browse our advanced materials science highlights below.

Can thermoelectric tetrahedrite stand the heat?
The mineral tetrahedrite has been identified as an incipient ionic conductor, a new class of material suitable for stable and high-performance thermoelectric devices.
Economic Impact Award 2023
The winner of the economic award is Timothy Johnson from Johnson Matthey, for their work demonstrating the viability of a scalable route to synthesising gas storage materials.
Discovering new glass-forming iron MOFs
During a placement with ISIS, PhD student Rasmus Christensen carried out some experiments that were key to characterising a new type of metal organic framework.
Cycle Highlights!
During our last cycle the users were pulling out all the stops in every corner of science. Here are just a few select highlights of the research we have had going on at the facility during the last couple of months.
A structural insight into solar cell performance
By combining neutron and X-ray experiments with molecular dynamics, researchers from the University of Colorado and their collaborators have determined the structure of promising new solar cell materials and how this links to their usable lifetime.
Automating data analysis for vibrational spectroscopy - using AI for chemical identification
An artificial intelligence model that identifies the structure of a molecule from its infrared spectrum has been developed by PhD students Guwon Jung and Son Gyo Jung with their supervisor Jacqui Cole.
Applied Graphene Materials plc
This case study is part of a set reflecting the impact of ISIS science reported as part of the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Developing longer-lasting electronics for electric vehicles
Thanks to Newton funding through the Malaysia-British Council agreement, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd Salleh and his research team from the Universiti Malaysia Perlis have come to use IMAT to study materials for use in electric vehicles.
Extreme toughness at ultra-cold temperatures
Using Engin-X, researchers have characterised a new class of alloy that is amongst the toughest ever recorded, even at very low temperatures.
Siemens Energy use Engin-X to test a new gas turbine production method
Neutron diffraction was used to study the microstructure of samples produced using laser powder bed fusion, while they were being compressed.
New repair solutions and lifetime extensions for the aerospace industry
A research adventure that led to a “technically perfect” study
Scientists using the WISH beamline have demonstrated that a rather simple material can become multiferroic at room temperature.
Using IMAT to image more sustainable magnetic materials
A collaboration between European facilities has enabled polarised neutrons to be used on IMAT for the first time to study 3D-printed magnets.
Quantum spin liquid found in a strongly correlated metallic magnet
Using neutrons and muons, researchers have discovered a quantum critical spin-liquid state in a Ce-based heavy fermion compound for the first time.
Using SANS to study super duplex stainless steel
A study of phase separation in super duplex stainless steel could help to develop future alloys that are less susceptible to long-term thermal degradation.
Designing porous materials for selective and reversible gas storage
Neutron and synchrotron X-ray studies have enabled researchers to understand the behaviour of gas molecules inside porous framework materials, informing the development of new sorbents for gas storage and separation.
Mapping the magnetic behaviour of an iron-based superconductor
The detailed phase diagram of a superconducting material has been fully mapped out, thanks to a combination of neutron and muon experiments.
Dr William Griggs: Using Neutrons to investigate FeRh thin films.
ISIS User William Griggs has been awarded his Doctorate from the University of Manchester based on work undertaken investigating FeRh thin films using the POLREF Instrument.
Finding a quantum state in a natural mineral
Using muon spin spectroscopy, researchers have found new evidence that the mineral, szenicsite, is dominated by the novel quantum state known as the Majumdar-Ghosh point.
Showing the value of using a full toolbox of techniques for evaluating quantum materials
Only by using the combination of polarised neutron reflectometry, X-ray spectroscopy and magnetotransport have researchers been able to characterise individual layers of a potential candidate for building future quantum computers.
New databases give ISIS users rapid access to large amounts of data on structure and properties
By using artificial intelligence to mine the scientific literature, ISIS and Cambridge researchers have created extensive databases for use by the semiconductor and optical materials research communities.
Student travel grant supports novel automotive steel study
Supported by an ISIS travel grant, PhD student Anastasia Vrettou has been able to do neutron diffraction studies of advanced steel components for automotive applications.
Testing a cheaper, quicker method of making spacecraft components
Researchers from ESA and their commercial partners have used ISIS to test a new manufacturing method that could be used to build propellant tanks for spacecraft.
The Devon vs Cornwall cream tea debate – but for spintronic systems
It’s a longstanding debate in Britain as to whether you should spread jam or cream first on your scones. Researchers have found that the order in which you assemble magnetic and superconducting materials also makes a difference.
Johnson Matthey uses Tosca to test the viability of scaling up production of a gas storage material
The feasibility of a large-scale synthesis route for the metal organic framework material ZIF-8 that is economic and environmentally favourable has been investigated using inelastic neutron scattering.
Solar cell review featured as ACS editors’ choice
A review of methods used to characterise the layers in dye-sensitised solar cells, the outcome of a collaboration across many of the facilities at RAL, has been selected to be featured as an ACS Editors' Choice article by the American Chemical Society.
Using machines to search for better battery materials
Researchers have used machine learning to discover a new material that could be used in lithium-ion batteries.
Using neutrons to observe lattice deformation in steel weldments in wind turbines
Researchers from Cranfield University came to ISIS to use neutrons to investigate the effect that the welding process has on lattice structure in steel weldments.
Lanthanides and ligands combined form a new perovskite-like series
Researchers from the University of Kent have used TOSCA to characterise a new series of perovskite-like compounds that combine inorganic and organic building blocks.
2021 Roadmap to sodium ion batteries
ISIS staff and users have contributed to a collection of articles discussing the use of sodium ion batteries for energy storage.
Photovoltaic perovskites can detect neutrons
A simple and cheap device for detecting neutrons has been developed by a team of EPFL researchers and their collaborators.
Nanostructures formed by self-assembling peptides
Scientists investigate helical peptides to observe their self-assembly behaviour.
Understanding Topological Insulators to Build the Next Generation of Electronics
Using MuSR, Professor Patnaik from Jawaharlal Nehru University, cracked how to study fundamental properties of topological superconductors.
$(a) Cryogenic tensile rig; (b) Stress-strain curves of a FeCrNiCo HEA; (c) Diffraction patterns during tensile loading at 15 K ($
Using High Entropy Alloys for cryogenic applications towards a greener future.
Cryogenic conditions, below -150°C, are crucial for the widespread application of some greener fuels, and so it is important that the materials used are able to cope with these harsh conditions.
Keeping it cool: an inorganic material with lowest thermal conductivity ever reported
A collaborative research team has discovered a new inorganic material with the lowest thermal conductivity ever reported.
Introducing impurities to induce spin textures
For the first time, researchers have been able to produce exotic spin states in magnetic materials by introducing impurities.
Learning from meteorites to improve bone replacements
The first full and accurate characterisation of the mineral whitlockite has been carried out using neutron diffraction at ISIS, X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, and infrared spectroscopy.
Feature article: investigations into porous materials
From gas storage to catalysis, porous materials have a range of possible applications, and neutrons are used in many ways to characterise their performance.
Could rotating molecules be the key to designing Quantum Spin Liquids?
Researchers have discovered a new way of designing quantum spin liquids; exotic materials that may impact on areas as diverse as IT and superconductivity
Neutron experiments confirm the existence of new form of ice
Using diffraction experiments on HRPD, Austrian researchers have confirmed the existence of an exotic form of ice: Ice XIX.
Muons give molecular insight into ISIS magnets
Using muons on HiFi, ISIS electrical engineer Ben Orton has been able to identify the behaviour of the charges within materials in the accelerator magnet dielectrics at an atomic scale.
Using neutrons to see what’s happening inside a transparent solar cell
Neutron reflectivity has been used to take a look at the internal layers of solar cells, to see how their structure could impact their performance.
Noncollinear magnetic order of a new magnetoelectric material determined by neutron diffraction
The magnetic structure of an unusual magnetoelectric compound has been determined by combining single-crystal neutron diffraction and direction-dependent magnetic susceptibility.
New solid-state battery material for next generation batteries
Using neutron and muon techniques, researchers have tested a new material that could be used inside a solid-state battery.
Fine tuning of the magnetic properties within thin films
Using ion beams at different intensities leads to depth selective control over which magnetic phase is present in FeRh thin films.
Polymer composites: improving the environment, understanding scattering, and supporting enterprise
A new environmentally friendly material for use in neutron shielding has been tested at ISIS by the company Additive Composite Uppsala AB.
Novel IMAT experiment helps Rolls-Royce Plc with crystal conundrum
A new characterisation method has been used on the IMAT beamline to determine the 3D structure of materials used in gas turbine engines.
Adapting the ISIS targets to run at higher power
Before lockdown, High Power Targets Group engineer Dan Wilcox was running analysis for targets at TS1 and TS2. We got in touch with him to speak to about current work and future innovation in target design within ISIS.
ISIS beamlines help Unilever develop biodegradable products
Using a range of scattering techniques at ISIS to investigate how naturally occurring surfactants interact with their synthetic analogues, Unilever scientists have gained an insight into developing more eco-friendly products.
Neutron tomography of pistons at IMAT
IMAT helps to understand where and how coking occurs on engine components
Rattling thallium explains low thermal conductivity
The disruption of lattice vibrations by the ‘rattling’ movement of thallium atoms is found to be the cause of a large reduction in thermal conductivity.
Novel method of studying glassification could revolutionize carbon capture technology
Studying the process of glassification in post-combustion carbon capture solvents could inform the development of successful prototypes used to minimise anthropogenic emissions.
Recreating the deepest point on Earth
Scientists from Rome Tor Vergata and ISIS have used the Vesuvio spectrometer to unravel part of the mystery behind the physical and chemical conditions of the Mariana Trench - one of the most extreme environments in the world.
Nano-particles´ influence - How shape memory alloys behave under stress
Discovery of “killer” phonon mode informs the search for new organic semiconductors
Photoexcited µSR used to measure carrier kinetics in semiconductor materials
Carbon nitride shows promise as a membrane for water filtration and fuel cells
An international research collaboration has found that water can pass through carbon nitride layers in the same way as it does through aquaporin channels in biological systems.
Stoichiometry changes influence magnetic behaviour
New double perovskite shows novel colossal magnetoresistance
Characterising a quantum spin liquid candidate
Using MuSR, the magnetic behaviour of Zn-barlowite has been characterised, highlighting its potential as a quantum spin liquid.
Muons show weak magnetism in a high capacitance, low loss dielectric material
One material - two ground states
Revisiting magnetism for brain-like computers
Back in 2012, we highlighted work done by Professor Christopher Marrows towards developing a new type of computer architecture that operates in the same way as a human brain. We got back in contact with him to speak about how his work has progressed.
A combination of neutron experiments uncovers a structural rarity in a perovskite-type oxide ion conductor
Researchers from Durham University have used neutrons at ISIS, ILL and ANSTO alongside other techniques to characterise the structure and conductivity of an oxide-conducting perovskite.
Engin-X used to investigate how hydrogen embrittlement can cause industrial steels to fail
By studying how the structure of super duplex stainless steel samples changes under stress in the presence of hydrogen, the effect of the gas on structural integrity has been examined, and a model produced to inform industrial applications.
The effect of d orbital occupation on magnetic interactions
A research group from the University of Sheffield have worked alongside ISIS staff using multiple techniques to investigate magnetic interactions inside perovskite materials: finding that the occupation of the d orbitals plays a key role.
Under pressure: how chemistry can replicate compression
A high-pressure study of two layered perovskite materials has compared the effect of high pressure and structural changes caused by altering chemical composition, showing that one could be used to predict the other.
First bulk observation of helical ordering of electric dipoles
A study led by ISIS researchers in collaboration with University College London, the University of Oxford and the Japanese National Institute of Materials Science has uncovered emergent helical texture of electric dipoles in the solid state.
Clay minerals used as drug carriers
By studying water mobility in clay minerals, an international research group have gained an insight into the effectiveness and lifetime of these clays as drug carriers.
Muons for understanding ion diffusion in energy materials
The ability of ions to move within a material is crucial to the performance of next-generation energy devices such as batteries and fuel cells, and muons offer a method to study this movement.
A greener route to drug encapsulated MOFs
University of Oxford and ISIS researchers have examined the mechanism behind a new, greener, route to the synthesis of the MOF MIL-100 (Fe), and the encapsulation of drug molecules within it.
Neutrons enable structural determination of a Prussian blue analogue
Using an Xpress measurement on GEM, new ISIS user Hanna Boström has been able to determine the full structure of the Prussian blue analogue RbCuCo(CN)6.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering reveals surprisingly small hydrogen-hydrogen distances
The first observations of very tightly spaced hydrogen atoms in a metal hydride open up the possibility of new hydrogen-storage materials and creating superconductors that operate near room temperature and pressure.
3D printed tissue-like vascular structures investigated on Larmor
An international team of scientists have discovered a new material that can be 3D printed to create tissue-like vascular structures.
Vanadium research on Larmor is awarded “most outstanding”
An investigation studying micro-alloyed steels on Larmor has been given the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Vanadium Award for the most outstanding paper in the metallurgy and technology of vanadium and its alloys.
Investigating hard carbons for battery materials
Using the Materials Characterisation Lab, EMU, and computational modelling, two recent publications give an insight into the behaviour of ions inside hard carbons, when used for battery materials.
Muons measure magnesium migration
The first muon study of magnesium diffusion has used EMU to improve the understanding of how these ions move through solid-state materials, with applications for battery technology.
A simple ‘one pot’ synthesis produces silica nanoparticles with great potential
High-pressure neutron study changes our understanding of an important synthetic oxide
Investigating SnIP, the first atomic‐scale double helical semiconductor
New hybrid materials for detecting hydrogen peroxide
For the first time, hybrid materials made of Co2TiO4 and reduced graphene oxide have been made, characterised, and tested as hydrogen peroxide sensors.
Ambidextrous magneto-electric textures: the future of data storage?
The observation of a material able to exhibit chirality (handedness) in both its electrical and magnetic systems opens new possibilities for the developing field of spintronics.
Testing solar cells for space travel
A group from UCL and ISIS have been testing solar cells made from perovskite materials to see how resilient they are to the neutron irradiation they would be exposed to in space.
Polaris enables the study of structural change during thermal battery discharge
The way that a thermal battery discharges has been studied in real-time using neutrons, revealing the changes in the structure that occur during these transitions.
Improper Ferroelectricity caused by bonding rather than size
A new material has been discovered that becomes an improper ferroelectric due to a break in symmetry caused solely by an electronically driven transition, rather than a geometric (size-driven) transformation.
Iron Selenide: not as unique as expected
Previously thought of as a distinctive superconductor, researchers have used ISIS and other international facilities to show that iron selenide operates in the same way as other iron-based superconductors.
A new perspective on how hydrogen bonds with platinum catalysts
Neutrons have enabled ISIS scientists to study the full range of bonding methods between hydrogen and platinum, including those previously unseen using traditional spectroscopy techniques.
Using multiple beamlines enables a full structural characterisation
A project involving experiments on three beamlines at ISIS, and the Diamond Light Source, has determined the structural phase diagram of La2NiMnO6 under high pressure.
Structural study of ‘smart’ nanogels at the air/water interface
Investigations into the behaviour of stimuli responsive nanogels at an air/water interface using neutrons has shown that even small changes in the structure of the nanogels can affect the way it interacts with the surface.
ISIS ice research is a hot topic
A publication based on experiments at ISIS has been selected by the journal editors as a ‘hot article’ to appear in their online rolling collection of featured articles.
Scientists hunt for new light-harvesting chemical for more effective solar panels
An international team of scientists, led by the UK, are hunting for new, organic light-harvesting chemicals to make solar panels that are both more effective at creating electricity and are environmentally friendly.
ISIS Materials Characterisation Lab used to prove a novel method of creating a semiconducting thin film
Scientists at the University of Southampton used the Materials Characterisation Lab at ISIS to confirm their development of a novel molecular reagent for a highly functional chemical compound used in thermoelectric generators and solid state data storage.
Investigating stress-strain response in shape memory alloys
In situ neutron diffraction was used to analyse stress-induced phase transformation.
Understanding copper corrosion in oil
The corrosion of copper in oil is an expensive problem for industry, particularly when it results in the failure of transformers or bearings.
A computer-generated roadmap to new materials
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a strategy to speed up the discovery of new materials.
The ISIS Science Impact Award– Modelling the Structure of Metal-organic Framework Glasses
The winner of the ISIS Science Impact Award used neutrons to help reveal the structure of a melt-quenched metal-organic framework glass - the first example of the new hybrid glass family.
Neutrons used to study sustainable sugar-based plastic
Researchers have used inelastic neutron scattering to study the properties of a sugar-based plastic that could start to replace conventional plastic bottles in the near future.
Neutrons fill in the gaps in our knowledge of dental cements
With tooth decay impacting 60-90% of schoolchildren and the majority of adults it’s no surprise most of us dread the dentist. Our poor oral health is costing us too, with dental repair one of the most significant healthcare costs in developed countries.
Getting to grips with corrosion
Neutron reflectometry has been used to improve our fundamental understanding of corrosion and corrosion inhibitors.
In a spin: uncovering a nematic transition
Researchers conducting a fairly routine systematic investigation of spinel materials have made a serendipitous discovery that could well be the first experimental proof of part of a long-standing and well-used theory.
Investigating the origin of excellent thermoelectric behaviour in Cu2Se
In a world that is trying to balance an ever-increasing demand for electricity with a reduction in carbon emissions, energy efficiency is a hot topic.
Helping the hunt for lead-free piezoelectrics
Piezoelectrics are a class of material that generates an electric charge when subject to mechanical stress. Discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880, an early application of the phenomenon was in sonar during the First World War.
Trapping magnetic monopoles in spin ice
Electrically isolated charges are common in nature, most notably in the form of individual electrons. However the equivalent in magnetism, the magnetic monopole, has proved far more elusive.
Muons make the most of waste heat
Approximately 90% of the world’s electricity comes from heat energy generated by fossil fuels. These power stations operate at about 30 – 40% efficiency, with the remaining heat being lost to the environment.
The role of spin-orbit interaction in organic semiconductors
Traditional electronics relies on the charge of an electron to carry information. But the demand for smaller, faster electronics has caused scientists to look at another property of electrons – spin.
First steps to a brainy computer
The brain, at the centre of the nervous system, is the most complex organ in the body. A vast neural network of around 100 billion neurons makes connections via synapses and is thought to be the basis of memory
Mystery of car battery material solved
ISIS has helped chemists to solve the 150 year-old mystery of what gives lead oxide, the main component of the lead-acid battery that is found under the bonnet of most cars, its unique properties.
ISIS helps UK magnesium producer with a cracking problem
Scientists from ISIS have worked in partnership with UK company Magnesium Elektron to solve manufacturing challenges.
Influence of lone-pair cations on the germanate anomaly in glass
Neutron diffraction has been used to prove that lone pair cations can change their behaviour as glass composition is changed.
Giant magneto-elastic coupling could lead to more efficient fridges
ISIS has helped scientists gather new data on how a material behaves at high temperatures and in strong magnetic fields which could lead to more efficient fridges and cooling systems.
Good chemistry between magnetism and superconductivity
Scientists from Spain and the United Kingdom have recently used ISIS muons to demonstrate the success of a new method for combining materials with different properties.
Understanding flow in ice-rock mixtures
The rheology of multi-phase materials is of relevance to a broad range of applications.
NIMROD gives insight into the structural kinetics of polymer crystallisation
Many technologically important polymers are partially crystalline and their crystalline structure and morphology are critical to delivering the required properties.
Optimising polymer solutions for printed electronics
The development of polymer-based optoelectronic devices (or ‘plastic solar cells’) that could deliver electricity at a competitive cost is a key area of research. Solutions of conjugated polymers can be ‘printed’ to produce the active layer of low-cost s
Tipping the magneto-elastic balance
‘Smart’ materials display a plethora of potentially useful properties, and these can interact with each other giving rise to new phenomena.
Conductivity linked to quantum state of the proton in Nafion-like materials
Measurements of proton momentum distributions on VESUVIO on solutions of different NAFION-type materials reveal a link between conductivity and the quantum state of the proton as well as a clear difference from the momentum distributions seen in bulk wate
Negative thermal expansion in porous frameworks
Negative thermal expansion (NTE), or contraction upon heating, is of fundamental scientific interest and may find applications in precision engineering.
Magnetism in thin films revealed
Data storage has improved in leaps and bounds over the last 30 years – consider the size of music storage devices, which hold hundreds of CDs and can fit in the palm of your hand.
Muons reveal the secrets of hydrogen storage in semiconductors
Zinc oxide is a transparent semiconductor material which could play a vital part in a number of new applications such as energy-efficient white lighting.
Polymers for Organic Solar Cells
Conjugated polymers have been intensively studied since it was demonstrated that they could behave as semiconductors.
Quantum behaviour of molecular hydrogen in potassium-graphite intercalates
Experimenting with hydrogen storage media.
Spin gap formation in heavy Fermion compounds
New insights into strongly correlated electron systems.
Spin waves in ferromagnetic metallic manganites
Mapping patterns of spin behaviour using time-of-flight neutron scattering.
New iron-based high-temperature superconductors
A new family of high-temperature superconductors discovered.