In the CEMPER project (Correlative Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties of operational Energy-Related materials) the Erich Schmid Institute (ESI) together with partners from the Chair of Material Physics (CMP), Montanuniverstät Leoben, has expanded its characterization possibilities to include a cryogenic environmental focused ion beam (FIB) workstation (Thermo-Fischer Helios plasma FIB) with chemical analysis tools such as secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS, ToF-Werk) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, ThermoFischer), as well as the related cryo-transfer system for cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. The new infrastructure, made possible by the 2023 FFG Infrastructure Program, will increase our knowledge of the combined electro-mechanical-chemical behavior of materials and the interfaces in energy- or hydrogen-related applications. For example, one could experimentally evaluate the mechano-chemical incompatibilities of interfaces in lithium batteries or hydrogen storage capabilities of steels and high entropy alloys. The new infrastructure will be open for users outside ESI/CMP on a proposal basis that will open in winter 2025.
