IREC will strengthen its research capabilities with the acquisition of a Focused Ion Beam–Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) system featuring advanced operando capabilities. This infrastructure will be unique in Spain and among the few of its kind in Europe. The new equipment will make it possible to observe how energy materials and devices evolve while in operation, a key step towards accelerating the development of more efficient, durable and sustainable technologies.

The acquisition has been awarded funding under the 2025 Call for the Acquisition of Scientific and Technical Equipment, part of the State Programme for Institutional Strengthening within the 2024–2027 State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation. The project, led by ICREA Professor Albert Tarancón at IREC, represents an investment of €2 million, including €800,000 in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding.

Making the invisible visible

The new FIB-SEM system will enable researchers to study energy materials and devices under real operating conditions, controlling parameters such as temperature, pressure and electrochemical cycling. This will make it possible to analyse, in real time, how cracks develop, crystalline phases change and degradation processes evolve, all of which limit the performance and lifetime of technologies such as batteries, electrolysers, fuel cells and solar cells.

In addition to producing high-resolution three-dimensional images, the system will integrate automated tomography, chemical analysis (including lithium detection), crystallographic analysis and sample preparation for correlative studies. This comprehensive information will provide essential quantitative data for multiscale modelling and the design of new energy materials and devices.

A boost for research and innovation

The new equipment will be integrated into IREC’s Advanced Energy Materials Scientific and Technical Services (SCT-MAE), under the responsibility of technical specialist Albert Llorente. It will be available to both IREC researchers and external users, strengthening open access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure.

The new facility will also reduce reliance on large international research facilities for this type of experiment and strengthen collaboration with national and international research networks.

With this addition, IREC continues to expand its scientific infrastructure and reinforce its commitment to research excellence in support of innovation and the major energy challenges of the future.

Acknowledgements (in Spanish): La actuación EQC2025-009211-P ha sido financiada por MCIU/ AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 / UE, FEDER.