Probing Energy Materials Kinetics with X-ray Microscopy and Multimodal Analysis

Using synchrotron-based X-ray imaging, spectro-microscopy, and complementary modalities including scattering, diffraction, and spectroscopy at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), we capture coupled phenomena such as phase transformations, chemical speciation, and microstructural evolution across relevant length and time scales. Examples will be presented from electrochemical environments, including batteries and electrochemical deposition, as well as from high-temperature systems such as molten salts and thermochemical materials. A key focus will be on integrating multimodal datasets—from imaging to diffraction to spectroscopy—toward a holistic understanding of the complex mechanisms governing materials performance and degradation. Additionally, the talk will highlight our recent efforts in autonomous multimodal analysis, which combine machine learning with operando scattering and spectroscopy measurements to guide adaptive experiments in nanostructured thin film studies.

BIO

Karen Chen-Wiegart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University, with a joint appointment at NSLS-II, Brookhaven National Laboratory. Her group’s research focuses on understanding kinetic processes in functional and energy materials using operando and multimodal synchrotron X-ray characterization techniques. The applications include molten salt – materials interactions, batteries, thermochemical materials, and nanostructured thin films from dealloying. Recently, her group has also been developing data-driven and machine-learning-assisted approaches for integrating multimodal datasets and enabling autonomous experimentation. Chen-Wiegart received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University and previously held research and beamline scientist positions at the Brookhaven National Laboratory