This milestone also highlights CIQTEK's expanding collaboration with the University of Strasbourg in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. CIQTEK will sponsor the ARPE EPR 10th Summer School, to be held in France from June 22–26, 2026.

During the event, researchers and students will gain hands-on experience with the CIQTEK EPR200M benchtop EPR spectrometer and explore CIQTEK’s advanced floor-stand EPR solutions through real-time remote demonstrations. More details coming soon!

Growing CIQTEK's Presence in France and Europe

Looking ahead, CIQTEK will further strengthen its presence in France and Europe, enhancing brand visibility, expanding collaborations with universities and laboratories, and delivering innovative EPR technologies that accelerate research in materials science, chemistry, and spin-related fields.

CIQTEK EPR Spectrometer Series

To address this, Associate Professor Peng Lei's team from the University of Science and Technology of China conducted an in-depth study using the CIQTEK scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dual-beam electron microscope. They built high-temperature magnetic-field steam corrosion and high-temperature water corrosion setups. Using SEM, EBSD, and FIB techniques, they analyzed oxide films formed on CLF-1 steel after 0–300 hours of steam corrosion at 400°C under 0T, 0.28T, and 0.46T magnetic fields, and after 1000 hours of high-temperature water corrosion at 300°C.

The study used CIQTEK SEM5000X ultra-high-resolution field-emission SEM and the FIB-SEM DB500

The study found that the oxide films form a multilayer structure, with a chromium-rich inner layer and an iron-rich outer layer. Film formation occurs in five stages: initial oxide particles, then floc-like structures, formation of a dense layer, growth of spinel structures on the dense layer, and finally, spinel cracking into laminated oxides. The presence of a magnetic field significantly accelerates corrosion, promotes the transformation of outer magnetite (Fe₃O₄) into hematite (Fe₂O₃), and enhances laminated oxide formation. This work was published in Corrosion Science, a top-tier journal in the field of corrosion and materials degradation, under the title: "Magnetic field effects on the high-temperature steam corrosion behavior of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel."

Surface Oxide Film Characterization

In high-temperature steam (HTS), CLF-1 steel surfaces show different corrosion states over time. On polished surfaces, early-stage oxidation (60 h) appears as small, dispersed particles. The Fe/Cr ratio is similar to the substrate, indicating that the oxide layer is not yet complete. By 120 h, floc-like oxides appear. At 200 h, a dense oxide layer forms, with new oxide particles and local spinel structures on top.

Rough surfaces corrode faster. Early floc-like oxides are finer and more evenly distributed. By 200 h, they transform into spinel structures, showing a stronger difference from polished surfaces. In high-temperature, high-pressure water (HTPW), polished surfaces display similar spinel structures. Spinel in HTPW is denser and more numerous, while spinel in HTS is larger in size.

When a magnetic field is applied (0.28 T on polished, 0.46 T on rough), corrosion changes further. After 60 h, oxide particles appear on both surfaces, more on rough surfaces. By 120 h, polished surfaces have particle-like oxides, while rough surfaces develop fine floc-like films. At 200 h, rough surfaces show spinel cracking and layered structures perpendicular to the surface, with many pores forming. By 240 h, layers become denser and well-aligned. EDS analysis shows that under magnetic fields, Fe/Cr decreases and oxygen increases over time. Cr content drops at 120 h, earlier than in non-magnetic conditions, showing that magnetic fields accelerate the formation of the iron-rich outer layer.

Figure 1. SEM images and EDS point scans (#1–#20) of CLF-1 surfaces under HTS and HTPW.

Figure 2. SEM images and EDS point scans (#1–#16) of CLF-1 surfaces exposed to magnetic fields: polished (0.28 T), rough (0.46 T).

Oxide Film Phase Analysis

Figures 3 and 4 show Raman spectra of CLF-1 steel oxide films in HTS, HTPW, and under magnetic fields. Without a magnetic field, films in both HTS and HTPW are mainly spinel structures composed of Fe₃O₄ and FeCr₂O₄. The Raman peaks (302, 534, 663, 685 cm⁻¹) overlap, making differentiation difficult. Hematite (Fe₂O₃) appears only on rough HTS surfaces after 240 h.

Under a magnetic field, oxidation accelerates. Polished surfaces show small Fe₂O₃ peaks only at 240 h, while rough surfaces show Fe₂O₃ as early as 120 h, increasing by 240 h. Meanwhile, Fe₃O₄ and FeCr₂O₄ peaks weaken, indicating faster hematite formation.

Figure 3. Raman spectra of oxide films on CLF-1 under HTS and HTPW: (a) polished; (b) rough.

Figure 4. Raman spectra under magnetic field HTS: (a) polished (0.28 T); (b) rough (0.46 T).

Cross-Section Oxide Film Characterization

EBSD analysis of rough surfaces after 300 h HTS corrosion (Figure 5a, b) shows a three-layer oxide structure: a thin, discontinuous Fe₂O₃ outer layer, a dense Fe₃O₄ middle layer, and a black chromium-rich layer between Fe₃O₄ and the substrate. FIB-prepared cross-sections (Figure 5c, d) and TEM/SAED analysis confirm that the chromium-rich layer is FeCr₂O₄, and the iron-rich layer is Fe₃O₄. Gaps at the interfaces indicate phase separation and pore formation during oxidation evolution.

Figure 5. Microstructure and phase distribution of cross-section oxide films on rough CLF-1 surfaces after 300 h HTS: (a) EBSD contrast; (b) EBSD phase map; (c) FIB cross-section; (d) dark-field TEM and SAED.

Figure 6 shows cross-sections under a magnetic field (HTS, 240 h). EBSD shows outer oxides composed of Fe₃O₄ and Fe₂O₃. Fe₃O₄ layers are vertically aligned with many pores, and Fe₂O₃ fills surface gaps. The chromium-rich layer between the outer layer and substrate is porous. Compared with non-magnetic conditions, films are looser with more pores, especially at layer interfaces and within the Fe-rich layer. SAED confirms that oxide films still consist of FeCr₂O₄ and Fe₃O₄ from inner to outer layers. Magnetic fields mainly affect film density and pore evolution, not phase composition.

Figure 6. Cross-section microstructure and phase distribution of rough CLF-1 surfaces under magnetic field HTS: (a) EBSD contrast; (b) EBSD phase map; (c) FIB cross-section; (d) dark-field TEM and SAED.

This study examines the effect of magnetic fields on CLF-1 steel corrosion after 300 h in 400°C HTS. It also compares oxide films formed under HTPW and HTS conditions. The findings provide important reference data for optimizing the corrosion resistance of fusion structural materials.

Researchers from Beihang University, led by Prof. Xiaomin Li and Prof. Wenhong Fan, used the CIQTEK scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer to conduct an in-depth investigation. They developed a new strategy using KOH-modified Arundo donax L. biochar to efficiently remove Ni-Cit from water. The modified biochar not only showed high removal efficiency but also enabled nickel recovery on the biochar surface. The study, titled “Removal of Nickel-Citrate by KOH-Modified Arundo donax L. Biochar: Critical Role of Persistent Free Radicals”, was recently published in Water Research.

Material Characterization

Biochar was produced from Arundo donax leaves and impregnated with KOH at different mass ratios. SEM imaging (Fig. 1) revealed:

• The original biochar (BC) exhibited a disordered rod-like morphology.

• At a 1:1 KOH-to-biomass ratio (1KBC), an ordered honeycomb-like porous structure was formed.

• At ratios of 0.5:1 or 1.5:1, pores were underdeveloped or collapsed.

• BET analysis confirmed the highest surface area for 1KBC (574.2 m²/g), far exceeding other samples.

SEM and BET characterization provided clear evidence that KOH modification dramatically enhances porosity and surface area—key factors for adsorption and redox reactivity.

Figure 1. Preparation and characterization of KOH-modified biochar.

Performance in Ni-Cit Removal

Figure 2.
(a) Removal efficiency of total Ni by different biochars;
(b) TOC variation during Ni–Cit treatment;
(c) Effect of Ni–Cit concentration on the removal efficiency of 1KBC;
(d) Effect of pH on the removal performance of 1KBC;
(e) Influence of coexisting ions on Ni–Cit removal by 1KBC;
(f) Continuous-flow removal performance of Ni–Cit by 1KBC.
(Ni–Cit = 50 mg/L, biochar dosage = 1 g/L)

Batch experiments demonstrated strong removal performance:

• At 50 mg/L Ni-Cit and 1 g/L material dosage, 1KBC removed 99.2% of total nickel within 4 hours, compared to 32.6% for BC.

• TOC removal reached 31% for 1KBC, confirming that Ni-Cit undergoes complex dissociation followed by Ni²⁺ adsorption.

• Even at 100 mg/L Ni-Cit, the removal efficiency remained above 93%.

• 1KBC maintained excellent performance across a wide pH range (pH > 5).

• Phosphate significantly inhibited removal due to solution acidification and competitive complexation with Ni²⁺.

• In continuous-flow tests, a 1KBC-packed fixed-bed reactor operated for 6900 minutes, treating 460 bed volumes, while maintaining effluent Ni < 0.5 mg/L.

Post-Treatment Material Characterization

Figure 3. Morphology and EDS comparison of the material before (a) and after (b) Ni–Cit removal;
(c) XPS spectra of surface Ni 2p after the removal process.

Recovered biochar (R1KBC) showed:

• No significant morphological changes.

• Uniform Ni distribution confirmed by EDS mapping.

• XPS spectra displayed both Ni²⁺ and Ni³⁺ peaks, direct evidence of oxidative complex dissociation.

EPR-Based Identification of ROS

Figure 4. EPR measurements:
(a) TEMP-trapped ¹O₂ generated by biochar;
(b, c) BMPO-trapped •OH and O₂•⁻ generated by biochar;
(d) Hyperfine splitting fitting analysis of the 1KBC signal in panel (c).

Using the CIQTEK EPR spectrometer, the team identified reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated on the biochar surface:

• ¹O₂: strong TEMP–¹O₂ triple signal (1:1:1, AN = 17.32 G) observed only in 1KBC.

• OH: BMPO–•OH quartet detected in both BC and 1KBC, but much stronger in 1KBC.

• O₂•⁻: identified through BMPO–•OOH signals in methanol-containing systems.

1KBC produced significantly higher levels of ¹O₂, •OH, and O₂•⁻ than BC, confirming the enhanced redox activity induced by KOH modification.

Free Radical Quenching Experiments

Figure 5.
(a) Effect of ¹O₂; (b) •OH; and (c) O₂•⁻ on Ni–Cit removal efficiency;
(d) Inhibition rates of different ROS on Ni–Cit removal.

By introducing quenchers, FFA (¹O₂), p-BQ (O₂•⁻), and methanol (•OH)—the team quantified the contributions of different ROS:

O₂•⁻ inhibition (55%) > ¹O₂ inhibition (17%) > •OH inhibition (12%)

This ranking indicates that O₂•⁻ plays the dominant role in Ni-Cit degradation and complex dissociation.

Role of PFRs and ROS Generation Mechanism

Figure 6.
(a) Detection of surface PFRs in biochar;
(b) Effect of PFR quenching on Ni–Cit removal by biochar;
(c) ¹O₂, (d) •OH, and (e) O₂•⁻ signals in 1KBC and TEA-treated samples;
(f) Schematic of ROS transformation pathways.

Persistent free radicals (PFRs) in biochar are closely linked to ROS formation. EPR results showed:

• 1KBC exhibited much higher PFR concentration than BC.

• PFRs had a g-value of 2.0034, characteristic of carbon-centered radicals adjacent to oxygen (e.g., phenoxy radicals).

• Triethylamine (TEA) effectively quenched PFRs, reducing Ni-Cit removal efficiency to ~50% and drastically lowering ROS levels.

The mechanism (Fig. 6f):

• Dissolved oxygen adsorbs onto the biochar surface.

• PFRs transfer electrons to O₂, forming O₂•⁻.

• O₂•⁻ initiates complex dissociation; subsequent ROS degrade the citrate ligand.

DFT Calculations and Mechanistic Insights

Figure 7.
(a) Optimized structure of Ni–Cit;
(b) Electrostatic potential (ESP) map;
(c) HOMO; (d) LUMO;
Fukui function isosurfaces of Ni–Cit:
(e) f⁻, (f) f⁺, (g) f⁰, (h) condensed dual descriptor (CDD), and (i) Fukui indices;
(j) Proposed degradation pathways of Ni–Cit.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations clarified the molecular reaction pathways:

• Frontier molecular orbital and Fukui function analysis revealed that the Ni center is prone to nucleophilic attack, while the citrate ligand undergoes electrophilic reactions.

• O₂•⁻, with its strong nucleophilicity, targets the Ni center, breaking the Ni–Cit coordination.

• Citrate ligands degrade through two ROS-mediated pathways.

These theoretical results align with EPR findings and support the proposed mechanism.

KOH-modified biochar (1KBC) achieved 99.2% Ni removal from 50 mg/L Ni-Cit solution within 4 hours. The modification significantly enhanced porosity, surface functionality, and, critically, the concentration of persistent free radicals. These PFRs activated dissolved oxygen to generate ROS, among which O₂•⁻ acted as the primary species driving Ni-Cit dissociation. Subsequent ROS degraded the citrate ligand, while released Ni²⁺ was adsorbed onto the biochar.

This study demonstrates a sustainable "one-step dissociation and recovery" approach for treating metal–organic complexes, offering strong potential for future real-world applications.

At the event, CIQTEK and LASystems presented CIQTEK’s comprehensive Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) product portfolio, including CW EPR, Benchtop EPR, and Pulse EPR systems. These instruments are widely recognized for their high sensitivity, excellent field stability, and user-oriented design. They support a broad range of applications in spin chemistry, materials research, catalysis, batteries, and biological radical studies.

During SEST 2025, many researchers visited the booth to learn about CIQTEK’s technical advantages, such as precise magnetic field control, stable microwave frequency performance, flexible variable-temperature configurations, and advanced pulse sequence capabilities. The event provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on experimental workflows and potential collaborations.

CIQTEK has established a strong global presence in the EPR field. More than 200 EPR spectrometers have been delivered to research institutions across Asia, Europe, the Americas, etc. The instruments have supported the publication of over 170 scientific papers, including studies featured in Nature, Science, and other leading journals. This growing body of research demonstrates the reliability and scientific value of CIQTEK’s EPR technology.

CIQTEK will continue strengthening its partnership with LASystems to bring high-performance EPR solutions and localized support to researchers throughout Japan.

To address this challenge, Dr. Yang Shanglu's team at Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics conducted an in-depth study using the CIQTEK FESEM SEM5000. They innovatively designed a raised-ring electrode and systematically investigated the effect of ring number (0–4) on electrode morphology, revealing the intrinsic relationship between ring count, crystal defects in the weld nugget, and current distribution. Their results show that increasing the number of raised rings optimizes current distribution, improves thermal input efficiency, enlarges the weld nugget, and significantly extends electrode lifespan. Notably, the raised rings enhance oxide layer penetration, improving current flow while reducing pitting corrosion. This innovative electrode design provides a new technical approach for mitigating electrode wear and lays a theoretical and practical foundation for broader application of aluminum alloy RSW in the automotive industry. The study is published in the Journal of Materials Processing Tech. under the title “Investigating the Influence of Electrode Surface Morphology on Aluminum Alloy Resistance Spot Welding.”

Raised-Ring Electrode Design Breakthrough

Facing the electrode wear challenge, the team approached the problem from electrode morphology. They machined 0 to 4 concentric raised rings on the end face of conventional spherical electrodes, forming a novel Newton Ring electrode (NTR).

Figure 1. Surface morphology and cross-sectional profile of the electrodes used in the experiment

SEM Analysis Reveals Crystal Defects and Performance Enhancement

How do raised rings influence welding performance? Using the CIQTEK FESEM SEM5000 and EBSD techniques, the team characterized the microstructure of weld nuggets in detail. They found that the raised rings pierce the aluminum oxide layer during welding, optimizing current distribution, influencing heat input, and promoting nugget growth. More importantly, the mechanical interaction between raised rings and molten metal significantly increases the density of crystal defects, such as geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), within the weld nugget. Optimal performance was observed with three raised rings (NTR3).

Figure 2. EBSD analysis of weld nugget microstructure for NTR0, NTR1, NTR2, NTR3, and NTR4 electrodes

Prolonged Electrode Life

Beyond improving weld quality, the raised-ring electrodes demonstrate outstanding anti-abrasion performance. After a 10-weld lifespan test, the difference in electrode wear was striking.

Figure 3. Electrode lifespan for NTR0, NTR1, NTR2, NTR3, and NTR4 electrodes

Quantitative Analysis

The NTR0 electrode without raised rings exhibited a wear area of 13.49 million μm².

In comparison, NTR3 and NTR4 electrodes with three and four raised rings reduced wear areas to 4.35 million μm² and 3.98 million μm², representing reductions of 67.8% and 70.5%, respectively.

The raised-ring structure concentrates current along the rings, guiding wear along predetermined paths and preventing random pit expansion, effectively doubling electrode lifespan.

Figure 4. Pitting area of NTR0, NTR1, NTR2, NTR3, and NTR4 electrodes after 5 and 10 welds: (a) 5th weld, (b) 10th weld、

Microanalysis of Electrode Pitting

Further SEM analysis of NTR0 electrodes after welding until adhesion to the aluminum sheet revealed a 10 μm-thick intermetallic compound (IMC) layer between the electrode and the sheet. This transition layer consists of two copper-containing sublayers:

Near the electrode: thinner sublayer with 29.2 at.% Cu (Al4Cu9 phase).

Near the aluminum alloy: thicker sublayer with 15.5 at.% Cu (AlCu2 phase).

Figure 5. Composition analysis of pitting between the electrode and the sheet

This study demonstrates that innovative electrode morphology can effectively regulate current distribution, improving weld quality while extending electrode life. CIQTEK FESEM microscope provided indispensable visualization and quantitative evidence of microscopic mechanisms, including crystal defect evolution and electrode pitting, highlighting the critical role of advanced characterization in advancing welding research and industrial applications.

To date, nearly ten CIQTEK SEM microscopes have been delivered and installed across four regions in Italy, covering a full range of models from field-emission SEMs and advanced tungsten filament SEMs to entry-level SEM solutions. This milestone highlights CIQTEK’s comprehensive product capability and the growing trust of Italian users in its technology and service.

CIQTEK FESEM SEM5000 Installed at a Research Institute in Italy

CIQTEK Tungsten Filament SEM3200 Installed at a Research Institute in Italy

Italian Researchers Praise CIQTEK SEM Performance

Although CIQTEK is a relatively new brand to many European users, its electron microscopes have quickly earned recognition for their outstanding performance, reliability, and value. Italian customers have given highly positive feedback, highlighting excellent imaging quality, stable system operation, user-friendly software, and strong cost efficiency. They also praised the company’s technical support team for its prompt responses and professional service throughout the installation and training.

Media System Lab: CIQTEK’s Trusted Italian Partner

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of CIQTEK’s Italian partner, Media System Lab S.r.l. The team has provided professional and fully Italian-language support, ensuring smooth communication and helping local users fully understand the performance and advantages of CIQTEK electron microscopes.

Media System Lab team performing pre-installation testing for the SEMs at its factory in Rovereto

Founded in 1998, Media System Lab S.r.l. is a leading Italian partner in electron microscopy, providing comprehensive solutions from compact tabletop SEMs to high-performance FESEM, TEM, and dual-beam FIB systems. With two offices totaling over 1,000 m², including a 400 m² demo laboratory in Rovereto, the team excels in pre-installation assessments, system integration, on-site training, maintenance, and supply of accessories and consumables. Through their MS Academy Lab platform and hands-on sessions, Media System Lab delivers professional training to microscopy experts, ensuring Italian and European laboratories fully realize the performance and advantages of advanced microscopy solutions.

Advancing CIQTEK’s Strategic Expansion in Europe

With increasing installations and positive feedback from users, Italy has become a key market that demonstrates CIQTEK’s ability to meet the high expectations of European researchers and industries. Beyond Italy, CIQTEK now has authorized distributors, demo centers, and delivered instruments in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Romania, and other European countries. The company plans to continue expanding its local service and support network, bringing advanced electron microscopy solutions to more laboratories across the continent and strengthening its presence throughout Europe.

The journey began at CIQTEK Electron Microscopy Factory in Wuxi, where the Media System Lab team was deeply impressed by the scale, precision, and professionalism of CIQTEK’s electron microscopy production and R&D operations. They explored the full manufacturing process, witnessed the craftsmanship behind CIQTEK’s cutting-edge instruments, and gained first-hand insight into the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. Our technical experts also provided in-depth sessions on product knowledge and future development trends, further strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

Group photo at the CIQTEK Electron Microscopy Factory

Following the visit to CIQTEK Electron Microscopy Factory, the delegation traveled to CIQTEK's headquarters in Hefei, where both teams engaged in inspiring discussions on market promotion, customer engagement, and long-term strategies for expanding CIQTEK’s presence in Italy. The meetings involved Mr. Will Zhang, Head of the CIQTEK Electron Microscopy Business Group; Mr. Arvin Chen, Head of CIQTEK Overseas Business Group; and Mr. Yao, Head of the CIQTEK FIB PBU, fostering deeper alignment in technical support, service collaboration, and strategic planning.

Showing Media System Lab around the CIQTEK Exhibition Center

During the visit, CIQTEK CEO Dr. Yu He presented the "CIQTEK Distinguished Partner Award 2025" to Media System Lab, in recognition of their outstanding achievements, unwavering dedication, and exemplary performance. Over the past year, Media System Lab has played a key role in helping CIQTEK deliver nearly ten electron microscopes to Italian researchers and institutions, driving remarkable sales growth and significantly strengthening CIQTEK's brand presence and reputation in the local market.

CIQTEK Distinguished Partner Award 2025 Ceremony

The visit not only celebrated Media System Lab's exceptional contributions but also highlighted CIQTEK's global vision, commitment to excellence, and dedication to empowering partners worldwide. Together, CIQTEK and Media System Lab will continue to expand the reach of CIQTEK’s electron microscopy solutions, enabling more laboratories across Italy, Europe, and beyond to achieve breakthrough research and technological advancements. This collaboration underscores a shared pursuit of scientific progress, innovation, and long-term success in the field of electron microscopy and beyond.

In this study, the research team utilized the CIQTEK Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM4000X) for microstructural characterization of the solid–solid interface. CIQTEK’s FE-SEM provided high-resolution imaging and excellent surface contrast, enabling researchers to precisely observe the morphology evolution and interfacial integrity during electrochemical cycling.

Ductile SEI: A New Pathway Beyond the "Strength-Only" Paradigm

Traditional inorganic-rich SEIs, though mechanically stiff, tend to suffer from brittle fracture during cycling, leading to lithium dendrite growth and poor interfacial kinetics. The Tsinghua team broke away from the “strength-only” paradigm by emphasizing “ductility” as a key design criterion for SEI materials. Using the Pugh’s ratio (B/G ≥ 1.75) as an indicator of ductility and AI-assisted screening, they identified silver sulfide (Ag₂S) and silver fluoride (AgF) as promising inorganic components with superior deformability and low lithium-ion diffusion barriers.

Building on this concept, the researchers developed an organic–inorganic composite solid electrolyte containing AgNO₃ additives and Ag/LLZTO (Li₆.₇₅La₃Zr₁.₅Ta₀.₅O₁₂) fillers. During battery operation, an in-situ displacement reaction transformed the brittle Li₂S/LiF SEI components into ductile Ag₂S/AgF layers, forming a gradient “soft-outside, strong-inside” SEI structure. This multi-layered design effectively dissipates interfacial stress, maintains structural integrity under harsh conditions, and promotes uniform lithium deposition.

Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the component screening and functional mechanism of the ductile SEI during solid-state battery cycling.

Figure 2. Structural and compositional analysis of the inorganic-rich ductile SEI.

Exceptional Electrochemical Performance

With this ductile SEI, the solid-state batteries demonstrated remarkable electrochemical stability:

• Over 4,500 hours of stable cycling at 15 mA cm⁻² and 15 mAh cm⁻² at room temperature.

• Over 7,000 hours of stable cycling at −30 °C under 5 mA cm⁻².

• Full cells paired with LiNi₀.₈Co₀.₁Mn₀.₁O₂ (NCM811) cathodes exhibited excellent high-rate (20 C) and low-temperature performance.

Figure 3. Exceptional plastic deformability and mechanical stability of the inorganic-rich ductile SEI.

A Breakthrough Strategy for Interface Engineering in Solid-State Batteries

This research provides a new theoretical and practical framework for designing ideal SEI structures, marking a significant step toward commercially viable solid-state batteries. By integrating mechanical ductility with high ionic conductivity, the study opens up a new direction in solid-state electrolyte and interfacial material design.

Reference:
Kang, F. Y., He, Y. B., Lü, W., Hou, T. Z., Yang, Q. H., et al. (2025). A ductile solid electrolyte interphase for solid-state batteries. Nature.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09675-8

During the meeting, IESMAT presented an in-depth introduction to CIQTEK’s electron microscope product portfolio, highlighting advanced features and application advantages of the CIQTEK SEM series. A live demonstration using the CIQTEK Tungsten Filament SEM3200 allowed attendees to experience its high-resolution imaging capabilities and intuitive operation firsthand. The hands-on session sparked active discussions, with many participants engaging directly with IESMAT experts for technical insights and practical guidance.

IESMAT Demonstrating the CIQTEK SEM3200

The event also featured a series of technical presentations and open discussions on microscopy applications across materials science, nanotechnology, and life sciences, reflecting the growing interest and demand for high-performance, user-friendly microscopy tools in the Iberian market.

Looking ahead, CIQTEK and IESMAT will continue to deepen their collaboration to provide cutting-edge electron microscopy technologies, comprehensive customer support, and training opportunities to researchers and laboratories in Spain and Portugal. Together, they aim to empower scientific discovery and innovation through accessible, high-quality instrumentation.

Using the CIQTEK Scanning NV Microscope (SNVM), the team successfully demonstrated room-temperature ferromagnetism in the semiconducting material MnS₂. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) under the title “Experimental Evidence of Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism in Semiconducting MnS₂.”

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c10107

Pioneering Discovery in 2D Ferromagnetic Semiconductors

The discovery of 2D ferromagnetic semiconductors has raised great expectations for advancing Moore’s Law and spintronics in memory and computation. However, most explored 2D ferromagnetic semiconductors exhibit Curie temperatures far below room temperature. Despite theoretical predictions of many potential room-temperature 2D ferromagnetic materials, the experimental synthesis of ordered and stable metastable structures remains a formidable challenge.

In this study, the researchers developed a template-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to synthesize layered MnS₂ microstructures within a ReS₂ template. High-resolution atomic characterizations revealed that the monolayer MnS₂ microstructure crystallized well in a distorted T-phase. The optical bandgap and temperature-dependent carrier mobility confirmed its semiconducting nature.

By combining vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), electrical transport measurements, and micro-magnetic imaging using CIQTEK SNVM, the team provided solid experimental evidence of room-temperature ferromagnetism in MnS₂. Electrical transport measurements also revealed an anomalous Hall resistance component in the monolayer samples. Theoretical calculations further indicated that this ferromagnetism originates from short-range Mn–Mn interactions.

This work not only confirms the intrinsic room-temperature ferromagnetism of layered MnS₂ but also proposes an innovative approach for the growth of metastable functional 2D materials.

Two Key Breakthroughs

• Intrinsic Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism in MnS₂ Monolayers:
  The study experimentally demonstrates intrinsic room-temperature ferromagnetism in semiconducting MnS₂, resolving the long-standing conflict between semiconductivity and magnetism.

• Template-Assisted CVD Strategy for Metastable Ferromagnetic Microstructures:
  The developed synthesis strategy enables scalable fabrication of metastable ferromagnetic microstructures.

These advances establish MnS₂ as a model platform for 2D spintronics, offering a new pathway for engineering low-dimensional magnetic materials.

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Figure 2: Micro-Region Magnetic Imaging

Figure 3: Electrical Transport Measurements

CIQTEK SNVM: Key Instrument Behind the Discovery

The CIQTEK Scanning NV Microscope (SNVM) played a crucial role in this research. Its high-precision nanoscale magnetic imaging capabilities were essential for visualizing and confirming the magnetic properties of MnS₂. This study highlights how CIQTEK's advanced scientific instruments are empowering frontier research in materials science and condensed matter physics.

This breakthrough not only drives progress in 2D material studies but also opens new opportunities for spintronics and next-generation memory technologies.

Experience CIQTEK SNVM

CIQTEK SNVM is a world-leading nanoscale magnetic field imaging system, offering:

• Temperature range: 1.8–300 K

• Vector magnetic field: 9/1/1 T

• Magnetic spatial resolution: 10 nm

• Magnetic sensitivity: 2 μT/Hz¹ᐟ²

Based on NV center-based optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) scanning imaging, the SNVM provides high spatial resolution, high magnetic sensitivity, multifunctional detection, and non-invasive measurement.

It is a powerful tool for magnetic domain characterization, antiferromagnetic imaging, superconductivity studies, and 2D magnetic materials research, enabling scientists to explore materials with high precision and confidence.