Atomic probe tomography (APT) is able to generate three-dimensional chemical maps in atomic resolution. The required instruments for APT have evolved over the last 20 years from an experimental to an established method of materials analysis. Here, we describe the realization of a new modular instrument concept that allows the direct attachment of APT to a dual-beam SEM microscope with the main achievement of fast and direct sample transfer and high flexibility in chamber and component configuration. New operational modes are enabled regarding sample geometry, alignment of tips, and the microelectrode. The instrument is optimized to handle cryo-samples at all stages of preparation and storage. It comes with its own software for evaluation and reconstruction. The performance in terms of mass resolution, aperture angle, and detection efficiency is demonstrated with a few application examples.

Atomic probe tomography (APT), based on the work of Erwin Mueller, is able to generate three-dimensional chemical maps in atomic resolution. The required instruments for APT have evolved over the last 20 years from an experimental to an established method of materials analysis. Here, we describe the realization of a new instrument concept that allows the direct attachment of APT to a dual beam SEM microscope with the main achievement of fast and direct sample transfer. New operational modes are enabled regarding sample geometry, alignment of tips and microelectrode. The instrument is optimized to handle cryo-samples at all stages of preparation and storage. The instrument comes with its own software for evaluation and reconstruction. The performance in terms of mass resolution, aperture angle, and detection efficiency is demonstrated with a few application examples.

Due to increasing energy demands, interest in hydrogen storage is substantial. Magnesium is one of the most attractive systems, yet, development for practical application remains challenging. By combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and in-situ measurements of resistivity we determine the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in MgH2 at technically relevant pressure (20 bar). Pd coated thin films of well-defined thickness enable a quantitative evaluation of the hydrogenation rate. From this, we detect linear to parabolic kinetic transition and obtain the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in MgH2. Measurements at different temperatures (RT-300 degrees C) demonstrate an Arrhenius behaviour with an activation energy E-a = 28.1 kJ mol(-1). This low value and the transformation into a nano-crystalline microstructure upon hydrogenation indicate grain boundary diffusion as the essential mechanism. In completion, the interface Pd/Mg is studied. Mg5Pd2 and Mg6Pd form at elevated temperatures required for dehydrogenation. These phases affect, but do not prevent, further hydrogen loading. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The diffusion mechanism of H in metals and metal hydrides is studied particularly at high H2 pressures. Thin films of Mg and Ti offer a convenient tool to quantify the atomic transport. We show how different parameters of hydrogenation affect the kinetics. At 200°C, the Pd-Mg interface is predominant and a linear regime of hydrogenation is observed, whereas at 300°C a parabolic regime is detected. In Mg, the hydride forms from the surface to the substrate whereas in Ti growth of TiH2 starts from the substrate. A linear kinetics is seen during hydrogenation of Ti films, which is due to the oxide layer on top, measured to be about 10nm thick. In the studied high pressure regime, the hydrogenation is not pressure dependent any more. Quantitative calculation of the growth rate and the diffusion coefficient of H in the hydrides is presented.

Among the metal hydride materials, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys show excellent performance for hydrogen storage. The main drawback is the slow hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics, the sole barrier to commercial adoption. In this work we use Mg thin films as model materials in order to study these kinetics, and observe the growth process of the hydride. Palladium (Pd) is used as a catalyst coating for improving the conditions of hydrogenation. The hydride formation is followed by in-situ X-ray diffraction. Microscopic imaging of the co-existence of Mg and MgH2 is presented. The microstructure change is clearly visible in the micrographs, despite the fact that sample preparation damages the hydride phase. The transformation from columnar grains of the as-deposited Mg thin film, to a grainy equi-axed structure film indicate that the hydride is observed. The hydride is immediately formed at the interface between the Pd and the Mg thin film and grows in a layer-like reaction towards the substrate (SiO2). These combined techniques provide an efficient methodology to follow the kinetics of hydride formation within the layer, and study further the diffusion coefficients and mechanism of hydrogenation.