Synchrotron and surface studies of the influence of soft metals on lubrication and corrosion in engines

现代内燃机的运行需要增加极性分子（例如水、有机酸）的存在，这些极性分子可能腐蚀非钢部件，这可能导致车辆故障。该项目探讨了铜的相关腐蚀化学，旨在设计策略，通过在润滑剂中使用添加剂和/或钝化金属表面来减轻腐蚀。在暴露于腐蚀性环境之前、期间和之后，将研究金属的化学成分、价态和结合。实验室方法将被设计为将联合收割机标准实验室腐蚀试验与基本的深入表面分析相结合。此外，在这样的系统中的缓蚀剂的作用将进行调查。总体目标是了解腐蚀机制的关键属性，并设计潜在的解决方案。实际的研究工作主要是实验性的，并将侧重于表面化学，在需要时进行一些补充的分子和固态建模。整个项目将使用最先进的表面分析技术，大量利用Diamond Light Source和利兹VXSF Royce工厂的资源- XPS、XAFS、NEXAFS、XRD、表面衍射和SAXS。该学生将在Harwell校区工作，并与附近Infineum站点的研究团队密切合作。

The operation of modern internal combustion engines requires increasing presence of polar molecules (e.g. water, organic acids) that may corrode non-steel components, which may result in vehicle failure. This project explores the relevant corrosion chemistries on copper, with the aim to design strategies by which corrosion can be mitigated by the use of additives in the lubricant and/ or by passivating the metal surface. The chemical composition, valence and binding of the metal will be studied before, during and after exposure to a corrosive environment. Laboratory methods will be designed to combine standard laboratory corrosion tests with fundamental in-depth surface analysis. In addition, the role of corrosion inhibitors in such systems will be investigated. The overall aim is to understand the key attributes of the corrosion mechanism and to design potential solutions. The actual research work is mostly experimental and will focus on surface chemistry, with some complementary molecular and solid-state modelling where required. State-of-the-art surface analysis techniques will be used throughout the project, drawing heavily on resources at Diamond Light Source and in the Leeds VXSF Royce facility - XPS, XAFS, NEXAFS, XRD, surface diffraction and SAXS. The student will be based at the Harwell campus and work closely with the research teams at the nearby Infineum site.