Unveiling the Secrets of Materials: Professor Sarah Haigh's Journey in Electron Microscopy
The world of materials science is on the brink of a revolution, and Professor Sarah Haigh is at the forefront. In this exclusive interview, AZoMaterials delves into the captivating work of Professor Haigh, who is pushing the boundaries of electron microscopy to unlock the mysteries of two-dimensional materials and catalysts.
As the Professor of Materials Characterization at the University of Manchester, Sarah Haigh leads the Electron Microscopy Center, a hub of innovation and discovery. With a team of over 500 users annually, she oversees a facility equipped with seven transmission electron microscopes, each a powerful tool in the quest for atomic-scale understanding.
But why are two-dimensional materials so captivating? Here's the twist: when materials are crafted to be atomically thin, their properties undergo a dramatic transformation. Take graphene, for instance, which emerges as a superior conductor and boasts strength far beyond graphite. And in clays, ion exchange rates skyrocket by up to five orders of magnitude, paving the way for advancements in fuel cells and radioactive waste treatment.
The challenge lies in studying these materials in their natural environments. Traditional electron microscopy occurs in a vacuum, but Professor Haigh's team has found a way around this. They use graphene layers as windows, enabling the observation of samples in liquids or at solid-liquid interfaces while maintaining atomic resolution. This breakthrough bridges the gap between the lab and the real world.
Thermo Scientific's transmission electron microscopes are the unsung heroes of this research. These instruments are versatile and user-friendly, catering to the diverse needs of a large facility. The team's technical specialists play a pivotal role in keeping these microscopes running seamlessly, ensuring researchers can delve into increasingly intricate experiments.
And here's where automation enters the scene. Professor Haigh's collaboration with Thermo Fisher on automation and scripting is a game-changer. By automating workflows, they can analyze more samples, faster, and with less specialized expertise. This not only speeds up the research process but also reduces bias by capturing atomic resolution across larger areas.
The real-world impact of this research is profound. In partnership with BP, Professor Haigh's team is working on Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, which convert municipal solid waste into jet fuel with an impressive 80% carbon reduction. By studying catalyst activation, they aim to extend catalyst lifetimes and make large-scale plants more economically viable.
Looking ahead, automation remains a key focus. The Iliad system, a cutting-edge innovation from Thermo Fisher, promises to revolutionize high-energy loss spectroscopy. This could significantly reduce the need for synchrotron experiments, providing faster access to vital information for solving complex problems in catalysis and beyond.
Events like the Microscience Microscopy Congress are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for Professor Haigh. This unique gathering combines a vibrant exhibition with a robust academic program, offering a rare opportunity to connect with leading manufacturers and immerse oneself in groundbreaking research.
The Iliad system is a source of excitement for Professor Haigh and her students. Its enhanced accessibility opens up new programming possibilities for the microscope, enabling experiments that were once out of reach. The potential to push the limits of electron microscopy has the entire team brimming with enthusiasm.
Professor Sarah Haigh's journey is a testament to the power of electron microscopy in shaping the future of materials science. Her contributions to the field, including over 200 peer-reviewed publications and numerous awards, have solidified her status as a leading figure in materials characterization. With her expertise in advanced TEM techniques and her passion for innovation, Professor Haigh continues to inspire and drive progress in this exciting field.
