In-situ micro computed tomography of the formation of electrospun nanoporous Ni

The aim of this proposal is to obtain the structural evolution during the calcination of our novel electrospun monolithic nanoporous nickel (or called nickel mat). A bespoke setup will allow a sample to rotate freely while being heated in a vertical tubular furnace in order to obtain operando x-ray images exploiting the rapid acquisition facilities available at ID19. The metal precursor/polymer composite mat will be first calcined in air to 800 °C to eliminate the polymer, then the resulted nickel oxide fibre will be reduced in 5% H2/N2 up to 600, 700 and 800 °C. The microstructure evolution will be monitored by X-ray micro-CT continuously during the processes. The results will help understanding the formation mechanism of electrospun metal, enable delicate control of its microstructure and provide scientific insight to the communities of functional ceramic and metallurgy.