Mexico's IMP Opens New Microscopy Center

Mexico's national research petroleum institute, the Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo (IMP), yesterday opened its new center for advanced microscopy and research. In planning since 2002, the center features a suite of tools from Hillsboro, Ore.-based instrument maker FEI that enable advanced nanoscale research and development, including an XL 30 environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), a Nova 200 NanoLab, the first DualBeam installed in Latin America, two Tecnai transmission electron microscopes and a Titan S/TEM (scanning/transmission electron microscope). IMP researchers will use the tools for applications including the study and development of catalysts for more efficient fuels, fuel cell membranes and new nano-enabled materials such as anticorrosive products for oil refineries and pipelines.