Introduction

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Introduction Guest Editors: Scott T. Misture Alfred University, USA

Eric A. Stach Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA

Bryan D. Huey University of Connecticut, USA

Vanessa K. Peterson Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Australia

Materials studies under in-situ and operando conditions in many cases provide key information towards understanding properties and function. Remarkable advances in analytical tools and data modeling have been made in recent years, with in-situ analysis continually developing to exploit the new capabilities. In-situ analysis relies on complex sample environment systems, necessitating careful development of experimental protocols to optimize accuracy and reliability of the results. Furthermore, in-situ studies typically generate large data sets that may be treated using new “parametric” approaches, wherein all individual datasets are considered as a single experimental observation. In some cases, control over temperature, pressure, and/or electric and magnetic ﬁelds, especially when combined with the introduction of reactive or process gasses, allows studies of active materials under operating conditions. Such operando studies probe the specimens in the true operating environment, often necessitating new and unique sample environment systems. This Focus Issue of the Journal of Materials Research (JMR) captures the most recent advances in in-situ analysis over a broad range of characterization tools. The Focus Issue contains papers covering primarily diffraction and electron and probe microscopy, with invited papers capturing the state of the art for electron microscopy and AFM. A majority of the papers are aimed at tracking electrochemical responses in lithium ion batteries and fuel cells, with additional papers on electroactive materials and even MEMS systems, all topics of tremendous current interest. However, most of the techniques employed are equally or more applicable for studies of other ceramic, metal, polymeric and biological materials, and as such will appeal to a broader audience. Both laboratory experiments and synchrotron/neutron studies are represented in the issue, providing a ﬂavor DOI: 10.1557/jmr.2015.15 J. Mater. Res., Vol. 30, No. 3, Feb 14, 2015

for the capabilities and limitations of each type of characterization tool and perhaps stimulating interest in the use of the large scale neutron and x-ray facilities around the world. In addition to detailed descriptions of the remarkable experimental facilities available today, the papers in the issue cover advanced data analysis procedures and demonstrate extraction of meaningful models of materials that are not easily uncovered otherwise. Indeed, the issue contains reports of uniquely new information extracted from in-situ studies under, for example, electric ﬁeld, where it is not physically possible to quench a sample for later study. Taken together, the papers point to a bright future for in-situ/-operando systems, measurements, and analysis. ON THE COVER: In-situ and operando investigations are cruc

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