World's First Realization of Total Reflection (GI-SAXS/WAXS) Characterization of Nanofilms under In Situ Pressure Conditions（2025.07.17）

Wolrd first pressure impact chracterization

  In a pioneering research campaign, the team achieved a world-first by conducting in-situ controlled-pressure characterization of functional thin films at the BL40B2 beamline of SPring-8, premier synchrotron radiation facility in Japan. The research focuses on the critical field of ionomer thin films, which are essential for devices like fuel cells. To simulate the complex triple-phase interfaces under realistic thermomechanical conditions and investigate their evolving morphology and anisotropy, the team employed a custom-designed, in-situ pressure cell. This innovative apparatus enabled the precise study of thin-film structural dynamics under simultaneous humidity and applied pressure. Buyi Bian, an exchange student from University Paris Cite, provided an ingenious last-minute solution by utilizing 3D printing to fabricate a crucial shim for fine-tuning the pressure cell, ensuring the success of experiment.

  Additionally, another breakthrough was made through a highly collaborative effort. Ph.D candidate Yongming Luo from Professor Wu Jiaying group at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Guangzhou (HKUST GZ) led the execution of parallel in-situ experiments on perovskite solar cells, characterizing their evolution under varying light intensities and illumination durations.