about play - ACTNXT.eu

About ACTNXT

The mission of ACTNXT

ACTNXT is a European project designed to improve how research infrastructures support the development of Power-to-X (PtX) technologies. PtX includes technologies that convert renewable electricity into hydrogen, fuels, chemicals, and other energy carriers that are expected to play a major role in a CO22-neutral society.

Although neutron and synchrotron x-ray facilities offer unique ways to study materials and components in real operating conditions, their wider use in PtX research is currently limited by a lack of dedicated equipment and workflows. ACTNXT aims to overcome this by developing new instrumentation and methods in four focus areas:

Operando measurements of processes and flow inside PtX components
The project will develop advanced test benches for fuel cells and electrolysers, making it easier to study what happens inside these systems while they are running.
Materials behaviour under hydrogen exposure
The project will create specialised sample environments for studying how hydrogen affects materials, including challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement and high-temperature hydrogen attack.
Reliable, high-throughput investigation of novel materials
The project will develop faster experimental workflows, including automated data handling and AI-supported analysis, to help researchers screen and optimise materials more efficiently.
Operando measurements of hazardous chemical reactions
The project will design new neutron-compatible environments, including an in-line glovebox concept, to enable safe studies of reactive and hazardous materials.

In addition, the project will build a common knowledge platform to help research infrastructures, research and technology organisations, universities, and industry make better use of the new capabilities. This includes guidance, safety practices, and AI tools to improve experiment planning and data analysis.

Overall, ACTNXT aims to expand the role of European research infrastructures in PtX research, support stronger collaboration between science and industry, and help accelerate the development of cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy technologies.

Focus Areas

Operando measurements of processes and flow inside PtX components

Many of the most important processes in PtX components are hidden inside the device while it is running. ACTNXT develops the tools needed to study these processes under realistic conditions and support better technology design.

Materials behaviour under hydrogen exposure

Hydrogen can weaken materials in ways that are difficult to detect before failure occurs. ACTNXT develops new tools to study these processes under realistic conditions and support safer, more reliable PtX technologies.

Reliable, high-throughput investigation of novel materials

Developing better PtX technologies requires faster ways to test and compare new materials. ACTNXT creates high-throughput workflows that help researchers analyse more samples, more efficiently, and with greater consistency.

Operando measurements of hazardous chemical reactions

Many PtX reactions involve materials that are difficult and sometimes dangerous to study with conventional methods. ACTNXT develops new tools to investigate these systems safely under realistic conditions and support the development of future clean technologies.

Project Public Deliverables

This section provides access to the public deliverables of this research project. The deliverables encompass project components including governance structures, methodological frameworks, risk assessment protocols, and dissemination strategies.