Surface Science Western

Surface Science Western is proud to be featured in a new article published by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), spotlighting the quiet but critical role we play in manufacturing success, as well as research and development. For more than 45 years, SSW has helped industry answer the tough “why” questions, from contamination and failures to product performance, across sectors including mining, automotive, energy, defence, and medical devices. As supply chains shift and manufacturers look closer to home, this feature highlights how our deep expertise, multi‑technique approach, and commitment to training the next generation continue to deliver real, measurable value. Read the full article to learn how SSW is building for the next 40 years of impact. https://lnkd.in/e7cYjcnQ #London #Ontario #Manufacturing #Research #Expertise #SurfaceScience #Mining #Energy #Nuclear #Automotive Western University Western Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Faculty of Science at Western University Canada Foundation for Innovation/Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation

Improving the stability of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries is critical for enabling lower-cost, higher-energy storage for electric vehicles. Lithium and manganese-rich cathodes are promising, but their adoption has been limited by voltage fade and capacity loss during cycling. Controlling near-surface chemistry is key to addressing these challenges. A new paper in "Journal of Power Sources", led by Dr. Raneen Taha (General Motors Battery Research and Development) and other GM scientists, with contributions from SSW Research Scientist Dr. Heng-Yong Nie, demonstrates how a scalable spray-dry surface modification improves cathode performance. Based on ToF-SIMS depth profiling performed at SSW, a thin near-surface layer enriched in aluminum fluoride was identified, accompanied by increased phosphate species and suppressed lithium fluoride formation. This chemical modification promotes a more inorganic-rich cathode-electrolyte interphase. The modified surface was linked to improved electrochemical performance, including ~80% capacity retention after 500 high-voltage cycles. Because ToF-SIMS is rarely available within battery research laboratories, collaborations like this provide access not only to advanced instrumentation, but also to expert interpretation of complex surface chemistry, underscoring the impact of close industry-academic collaboration. Open-access paper: https://lnkd.in/gznevHB2 #BatteryResearch #EnergyStorage #EVBatteries #SurfaceAnalysis

🔬⚡ Watching Corrosion Happen—In Real Time What if we could observe corrosion as it forms, layer by layer, beneath a material’s surface? Jamie Noel, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Western University, is the 2026 Recipient of the Metal Chemistry Award. The lecture will take place at the 37th Canadian Materials Science Conference, at Université Laval, from May 4-7, 2026. This CMSC presentation explores cutting‑edge corrosion studies that combine electrochemical techniques with ion and neutron beam methods—all performed in situ. By coupling electrochemistry with tools like neutron reflectometry and advanced ion scattering techniques, researchers can capture ultra‑high‑resolution depth profiles of corrosion products and subsurface changes that are otherwise impossible to measure. 🧪 Reveal buried interfaces and corrosion layers 🔩 Gain insight into corrosion mechanisms as they occur 🔍 Learn how innovative experimental setups overcome beam‑environment limitations This talk offers a rare look at how advanced characterization techniques are pushing the boundaries of corrosion science and interfacial analysis. 📍 Join this session at CMSC https://lnkd.in/gJBPiAGy #CMSC2026

SSW was recently highlighted in Western University’s article on expanding international research collaborations with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. We were mentioned in the article by Dr. James Noel. The visit showcased how shared research infrastructure and expertise, including capabilities at SSW, support impactful global partnerships and open doors to major international funding opportunities. These connections strengthen materials, corrosion, and nuclear-related research, while creating valuable pathways for students, researchers, and industry partners. This is a great example of how collaboration and advanced facilities help turn global relationships into real scientific impact. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d2jcH3s4 #ResearchCollaboration #InternationalResearch #MaterialsScience #Canada

I am hiring #MSc and #PhD students for a research project in thin-film deposition, electrochemistry, and/or water splitting. The project involves working with cutting-edge deposition and characterization techniques at Western Nanofabrication and Surface Science Western. Eligibility: Applicants must currently reside in Canada and be available to start in Fall 2026. If you are passionate about materials science and experimental physics, please email your CV and transcript to amir.mirzaei@uwo.ca.

Each year, Surface Science Western awards the N. Stewart McIntyre Award to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional excellence and aptitude within our laboratory and in the field of surface analysis and surface science. We are proud to announce that Ellie W.T. Shiu from Dr. Paul Ragogna’s and Dr. Lijia Liu's research groups is this year’s recipient of the N. Stewart McIntyre Award! Ellie’s research spans advanced surface chemistry and applied materials science, addressing challenges in both microelectronic device fabrication and bioimaging materials. Her work makes extensive and impactful use of surface‑sensitive techniques at Surface Science Western. Ellie’s research uses surface‑sensitive techniques at Surface Science Western to: Research Area 1: N‑heterocyclic Carbene Modified Metal Surfaces for Microelectronics - Verify deposition and bonding of N‑heterocyclic carbenes on reactive, polycrystalline metal substrates using time‑of‑flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‑SIMS) - Quantify surface composition, coverage density, and metal oxidation states using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) - Demonstrate oxidation inhibition and native oxide reduction on metal surfaces through NHC modification Research Area 2: Near‑Infrared Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles for Bioimaging - Characterize nanoparticle morphology and composition using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‑SEM) and energy dispersive X‑ray spectroscopy (EDX) - Confirm surface functionalization and correlate surface chemistry with enhanced luminescence using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) Through her technically rigorous work and extensive use of Surface Science Western instrumentation, Ellie has made outstanding contributions to surface science research. We congratulate Wai Tung (Ellie) Shiu on this well‑deserved recognition.

Journal covers are a powerful way to visually communicate the science behind the research. SSW Research Scientist Jonas Hedberg recently captured the image for the cover of the Canadian Journal of Chemistry, highlighting the outstanding research being carried out at Western University. The cover accompanies a mini-review by SSW Affiliate Yolanda Hedberg, SSW Director Mark Biesinger, and Zhiqiang Wang. The review focuses on chromium speciation, noting that exposure to Cr(IV) has been linked to health concerns and outlining the strengths and limitations of current analytical techniques. Congratulations to the team on this recognition and on representing the Surface Science Western community. https://lnkd.in/ev_hbMvR #SurfaceScienceWestern #CanadianJournalOfChemistry #SurfaceChemistry #AnalyticalScience #WesternUniversity

Earlier this month SSW director Dr. Mark Biesinger hosted an engaging and insightful CREATE_CORRECT XPS workshop for hundreds of attendees. The session provided a comprehensive overview of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Mark provided valuable tips for researchers and students working in surface analysis and materials characterization. During this workshop he had 92 submitted questions, and he distilled them down to 10 distinct themes that cause general XPS struggles. Please check out the problematic themes at Mark's XPS website: https://lnkd.in/gAQq37aV You can find a recording of the session here: https://lnkd.in/gRXdN7sG #XPS #NSERC #SurfaceAnalysis #STEM #CORRECT