A next-generation electron microprobe to push the frontiers of in situ microanalysis for Earth and environmental science

Quantitative in situ microanalysis of natural and synthetic materials underpins cutting-edge, high-impact research across the Earth and environmental sciences. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is the gold standard in quantitative electron beam microanalysis. Equipped with an array of electron and X-ray detectors, EPMA measures spatially resolved major, minor and trace element compositions down to ~2 µg/g, at spatial scales down to 1 µg3 or better. EPMA supports research into natural materials that have intricate intergrowths of complex minerals with varying crystallographic orientations and structures. In most analytical sessions, multiple distinct phases are qualitatively mapped and quantitatively analysed at high spatial resolution for >10 elements in major, minor and trace concentrations. The presence and association of these elements provides critical information on the origin and history of the Earth; the evolution of life; the chemistry of the Earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere; and chemical exchanges between engineered materials and the natural environment. We propose to install a JEOL JXA-iHP200F field emission EPMA with integrated extended range soft X-ray emission spectrometer (SXES-ER) in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester (UoM). This asset will provide unique and transformative capability in quantitative analysis of light elements, transition metals, and heavy elements. It will enable simultaneous characterization of phase chemistry and chemical state (valence), which is challenging and expensive to achieve using existing, over-subscribed, equipment in the UK. Next-generation EPMA+SXES-ER capability will galvanize EPMA-led research aligned with UKRI NERC strategic and discovery science priorities in Frontiers of Understanding, Productive Environment and Resilient Environment, including energy and advanced materials. Examples of newly enabled research at UoM will include: - Tracking magma redox conditions, which control the formation of critical metal deposits, determine volcanic gas compositions, and affect planetary habitability; - Characterizing redox-sensitive mobility of radioisotopes, to underpin the safety case for geological storage of radioactively contaminated materials; - Determining contaminant metal speciation in mineral phases in soils and crops, to assess human exposure and develop remediation strategies. The asset will bring potential for widespread impact and economic benefit to UK research and business including critical metal resources for Net Zero; long-term storage of radioactively contaminated materials; environmental remediation; geofluids, including carbon capture and storage technology and geothermal energy. It will enhance UoM's existing research collaborations with national institutions and a wide range of industry partners, and will provide a platform to build new collaborations. The asset will be made available to external academic and industry users through a web-based application. We will facilitate capacity building by delivering advanced training in electron beam microanalysis for early career researchers, capitalizing on UoM's nationally leading scientific and technical expertise in EPMA and soft X-ray emission spectrometry. The asset will be housed in UoM's Electron Microscopy Centre alongside other internationally leading assets in analytical electron microscopy. UoM will invest £494k to cover procurement costs above the £750k requested from NERC.