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A system for positioning powder samples in top-loading cryofurnaces during neutron scattering experiments, while facilitating the successive delivery of gas doses at set temperatures to the sample, has been designed and tested. The positioning system is compatible with a Hiden Isochema IMI instrument as a gas-dosing platform, enabling gases to be delivered to the sample through a centrally located and thermally stabilized capillary line and valve. The positioning system separates into an upper and a lower section, with the lower section enabling the sample to be isolated and inserted into a glove box. This work describes the system using example neutron powder diffraction results obtained with this system in closed-cycle cryofurnaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure-property relations are central to understanding functional materials, and for battery research the use of neutron powder diffraction to reveal the atomistic and molecular-scale origin of battery performance characteristics is often essential. Although operando experiments of this kind are increasingly common as neutron sources and instrumentation advance, these experiments are hindered by the often large barrier presented by the preparation of whole batteries that yield a neutron diffraction signal from the electrode of interest that is sufficient to extract detailed structural information. This article presents a custom battery that is specifically designed for operando neutron powder diffraction. The battery is a pouch type and contains layers of positive and negative electrodes in a parallel-connecting stack. Importantly, the battery can be easily prepared in most laboratories, is configurable, and can be used with both lithium and sodium charge carriers. This paper provides some example operando neutron powder diffraction studies using this battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]