Imagine a device so powerful, it could let you see the atomic-level drama unfolding inside your cell phone's battery as you use it to read this story online. Scientists at FIU are now equipped to do just that with the acquisition of a powerful and versatile X-ray diffractometer.
So, what is a diffractometer, you ask? It's scientific equipment that can analyze a material's composition and atomic structure. It does this by directing a beam of radiation at it and measuring the pattern of particle scattering. The resulting data helps scientists, engineers and inventors make advancements in technology.
FIU is now one of only two sites in the United States to house the brand known as Rigaku SmartLab X-Ray Diffractometer. (The other is at Rigaku's U.S. headquarters in Texas.) Lauded for its ability to be quickly and easily reconfigured for many different types of analysis, think of it as the Swiss Army knife of diffractometers. The unique device allows researchers to study how batteries work in real-time as they charge and discharge, offering a rare window into technology that is ever-present in daily life, powering everything from cell phones to electric cars and even renewable energy systems. Led by assistant professor Irina Chuvashova, a team of 13 FIU researchers across chemistry, physics and engineering is leveraging the diffractometer to accelerate energy research, train the next generation of scientists and foster industry collaborations.
"Gaining hands-on experience with this technique equips our students with valuable skills that will significantly enhance their competitiveness in industrial careers after graduation," Chuvashova said.
X-ray diffraction is widely used across a variety of industries, with approximately 90 percent of companies engaged in research and development. While many rely on diffractometers to produce data, few offer real-time results, according to Chuvashova. FIU research will focus on clean energy, advanced electronics, infrastructure resilience and next-generation materials innovation.
Understanding batteries at the atomic level allows researchers to develop technologies that last longer, charge faster and leave a smaller environmental footprint. The same advanced instruments could also enable breakthroughs in high-performance materials that are stronger, lighter and more resilient—for use in infrastructure, aerospace and advanced electronics.
