News

Operando neutron and X-ray tomography reveal how water transport and cracking shape carbonation in cement paste

A powerful synergy of in-situ neutron imaging and numerical models gives rise to a novel model describing water vapour condensation in porous materials

The ILL new cold neutron micro-tomography instrument - PorTo - has just been commissioned, marking a significant expansion of the Institute’s neutron imaging capabilities. PorTo is designed to deliver high-resolution 3D imaging for a broad range of applications, from materials science and engineering to life sciences.

The ILL strengthens its research capabilities by modernising two key instruments (D11 and NeXT-MoTo) to address major challenges in health, energy transition and sustainable technologies. Supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and the European Union, this project represents a €1.8 million investment under the CPER EPN 2030 (State-Region Plan Contract).

Neutron imaging provides real-time insights into the next generation of battery technology

... or assessing ‘power naps’ for electrolysers | A recent study uses high resolution neutron imaging at the ILL to examine water dynamics in a carbon dioxide electrolysis cells - selected as research highlight in Nature Catalysis.

Using ILL's neutron imaging instrument NeXT, researchers were able to visualise how different fuel cells manage their only reactant product: water. This study demonstrates the uniquely important role of neutrons in the design of tomorrow's energy conversion technologies.

ILL is currently involved in 17 EU-funded projects, which will increase to 18 as of 1 March 2025. Among these, this article will focus on three current Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) EU-funded initiatives that demonstrate ILL's commitment to advancing neutron research and training the next generation of scientists through collaborative interdisciplinary projects.

Members of COFREND (Confédération Française pour les Essais Non Destructifs) were at the ILL for a visit focused on our imaging instrument NeXT (Neutron and X-ray Tomography). This group of professionals in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) had the opportunity to tour the ILL's experimental facilities and get insights into the powerful complementarity of neutron and X-ray techniques when applied to industrial research.

Over 100 scientists and industry experts gathered in Grenoble last week for the International Operando Battery Days (OBATT'24). The event focused on exploring  new ways to analyse battery materials using cutting-edge tools and methods, both in-lab and at Large Scale Facilities such as the ILL and ESRF. These tools will help us understand how battery materials behave during real-world use, ultimat…

It is common knowledge that batteries degrade with usage. Exactly how this happens and how could it be mitigated is cutting-edge research. Details of an important step forward have just been published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science.

High-resolution neutron imaging can uncover the workings of an electrolytic cell designed to turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. Experimental setup: Cell fixture and neutron detector/cell alignment. a an explosion view of the custom-built electrolysis cell (End plates: S…