In DRIFT spectroscopy a focused IR beam irradiates powder samples and the scattered light is collected using a parabolic mirror. It is a surface sensitive method already successfully used to study the chemistry at the metal oxide surface/ ambient interface in gas sensing and catalysis. DRIFT spectroscopy provides direct, non-invasive chemical information. The main challenge of using DRIFT spectroscopy is developing a measurement chamber that is compatible with the complex optical mirror configuration. 

EIS is a method that has is already applied in operando to metal oxide based electrochemical systems. It allows the differentiation of charge transfer processes e.g. across grain boundaries and interfaces. It can be applied simultaneously to DRIFT spectroscopy. 

To study gas sensors, complex gas mixtures can be prepared using automated gas mixing systems. Both commercially available sensors and homemade materials coated on planar ceramic substrates will be tested.

New chamber designs are first tested in plastic. Customized heaters are being designed with our clay printer. For good science proper caffeination is of course also essential!