Name: Surface Physics Laboratory – Hydrogen Technology Centre
Institution: Charles University
Coordinator: Prof Dr Iva Matolínová; imatol@mbox.troja.mff.cuni.cz
Website
SPL-HTC was created by the extension of the original SPL-MSB, the Czech Material Science Beamline (MSB) Laboratory at the Elettra Synchrotron in Trieste, Italy, and the Surface Physics Laboratory (SPL) of Charles University at the Centre of Hydrogen Technology (HTC) in 2023. SPL-HTC offers access to its facilities through a single entry point through CERIC-ERIC (Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium), which brings together eight European countries and is open to researchers from around the world through periodic calls for proposals with independent peer-review. The excellence of SPL-HTC is based on the expertise of SPL, the most comprehensive surface research laboratory in the Czech Republic, which has long been operating a number of facilities for materials research, physics and surface chemistry, catalysis and organic molecule studies. These facilities include a full range of PhotoElectron Spectroscopies (PES), particularly spectroscopy at MSB based on synchrotron radiation (soft X-ray PES, Resonance Photoemission Spectroscopy and NEXAFS). SPL-HTC provides Ion Scattering Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Focussed Ion Beam Microscopy, Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, which enables electrochemical analysis in liquids, and a Fuel Cell Testing Laboratory and Electrocatalyst Application Laboratory. SPL and HTC provide users access to advanced surface research methods and expert support from their staff.
The devices offered in open access mode to the Czech and international research community include two near ambient pressure photoelectron spectrometer NAPXPS and fully automated EnviroESCA, photoelectron spectrometer XPS, scanning electron microscope FESEM, focus ion beam scanning electron microscope FIB-SEM and the beamline for materials science MSB at the Elettra Synchrotron in Trieste, Italy. The active involvement of students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University in SPL-HTC activities plays a significant role in their Ph.D. and Master degree studies. Regular workshops attended by both Charles University and foreign partner institutions students are organised.
