B2: Correlative Electron Tomography and X-ray NanoCT for Hierarchical Functional Materials
Correlative Electron Tomography and X-ray NanoCT for Hierarchical Functional Materials
This doctoral project aims to develop advanced correlative 3D imaging workflows combining electron tomography (ET) and X-ray nano-computed tomography (nanoCT) for comprehensive, cross-scale analysis of hierarchical functional materials. The candidate will integrate ET’s nanoscale structural and chemical precision with nanoCT’s extended field of view to quantitatively characterize nanoparticulate systems such as catalyst layers in PEM electrolyzers. By correlating overlapping 3D datasets from both techniques, the project will establish methods for machine-learning-assisted image registration, segmentation, and super-resolution data fusion. The approach will bridge the gap between nm- and µm-scale structures, enabling analysis of particle networks, interfaces, and porosity across multiple length scales. Selected samples will be studied by ptychographic X-ray CT at synchrotrons to access ultimate spatial and analytical resolution. The developed methods will provide key 3D descriptors linking structure, functionality, and performance for data-driven materials optimization.
