Laurent Duda

The group of Laurent Duda uses resonant inelastic x-ray scattering to study fundamental processes of Li and Na ion batteries.

My research has focused on the development of synchrotron radiation based techniques for studying the electronic structure of a variety of materials, including a multitude of 3d-transition metal systems such as cuprate superconductors. My methodology of choice is resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) combined with x-ray absorption spectroscopy. I have developed tools and platforms for in situ sample handling and operando x-ray spectroscopy experiments at SR beamlines. Examples include the study of atmospheric corrosion and heterogeneous catalysis.

Currently, I collaborate with battery material experts from Sweden (Materials Chemistry) and UK (Oxford and St. Andrews U.) to research fundamental processes in Li and Na ion battery materials using RIXS. In Nature Chemistry, 8(7): 684-691 (2016) we showed that RIXS is sensitive to anionic redox processes. In Nature 577 (7791), 502-508 (2020) high resolution RIXS was pivotal to reveal that layered Li rich ion battery cathodes produce oxygen molecules that are trapped in the crystal upon charging and reversibly re-integrate oxygen into the crystal upon discharge. Generally, the role of oxygen in a variety of cathode material systems is of high interest and RIXS can give unique insights that can benefit the development of future battery generations.