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Photo of Martin Magnuson

Martin Magnuson

Senior Associate Professor

Materials Science Research using X-ray Spectroscopy with Synchrotron Radiation and Computations

Electronic Structure and Chemical Bonding in Materials

Presentation

This research area focuses on detailed studies of the electronic structure and chemical bonding in materials, and how these determine their physical and functional properties. By combining suitable elements into different compounds and alloys, properties such as hardness, elasticity, conductivity, band gap, and superconductivity can be tailored.

The work represents application-oriented basic research conducted at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM). It includes synthesis processes, material selection, and temperature-dependent phenomena such as spinodal decomposition and superconductivity, which are also of industrial relevance. Experimental investigations using advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques with synchrotron radiation are combined with corresponding computational methods.

Research Focus

The research explores how electronic structure and chemical bonding govern the functional properties of advanced materials – ranging from two-dimensional (2D) MAX and MXene systems to amorphous nanocomposites, nitrides,and minerals.

Using synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy together with quantum-mechanical calculations, the relationships between orbital hybridization, charge transfer, and local bonding environments are analysed, as well as their influence on electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties.

Methods and Applications

The research combines materials synthesis with experimental characterisation using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption (XAS), X-ray emission (XES), resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These are complemented by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), as well as multiplet and charge-transfer models.

The aim is to achieve a deeper understanding of the relationship between structure and function, and to contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for energy, electronics, and mining technologyapplications.

Current Research Topics

  • Electronic structure in MAX- and MXene-based 2D materials
  • Metallenes – atomically thin metallic layers such as goldene
  • Amorphous carbide, hydride, boride, and nitride films and their local bonding environments
  • Complex nitride and oxide systems with directional electronic anisotropy
  • Gold-bearing minerals and environmentally friendly separation strategies
  • Current material studies include MAX phases, MXenes, amorphous carbides, and nitrides.

Current Teaching courses

  • , 6 hp; Advanced Project Work in Applied Physics, 6 credits, from 2024
  • (https://isy.gitlab-pages.liu.se/fs/courses/TFYY51/), 6 hp from 2022.
  • , Y-master program at Linköping University since 2021- (7.5 hp).
  • at Linköping University 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026 (7.5 hp)

Learn More

More information about this research can be found on the .

Learn more about MAX IV on their webpage or read news about my work there from the links below.

Picture of Martin Magnuson
First RIXS experiment at the SPECIES beamline at MAX IV.

Scientific Highlights

Revealing the Quantum Landscape of MXenes

The Fermi surface and electronic band structure of a purely oxygen-terminated Ti₃Câ‚‚Tâ‚“ MXene was investigated using synchrotron-based angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The study shows how electrons move in this two-dimensional (2D) material with unprecedented precision and reveals Dirac-like electronic features, anisotropic charge transport, and a hexagonally warped Fermi surface that defies the usual insulating behavior of oxygen-terminated materials. These findings explain why oxygen-terminated MXenes remain metallic and open a pathway for tailoring their electronic and transport properties. This breakthrough provides fundamental insights into the quantum behavior of MXenes, advancing their use in energy storage, transparent conductors, and catalytic applications.

Published in .

 Picture of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals how Ti₃Câ‚‚Tâ‚“ MXene interact with surface termination species.

Uncovering How MXenes Interact with Hydrogen, Water, and Carbon Dioxide

This study shows how the two-dimensional (2D) material Ti₃Câ‚‚Tâ‚“ MXene interacts with common gas molecules—Hâ‚‚, Hâ‚‚O, and COâ‚‚—that are vital in energy conversion and storage technologies. Using ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), it is directly observed how these gases adsorb and react on the MXene surface. The study shows that water binds strongly to the Ti–Ti bridge sites, effectively becoming a new termination species that influences how other molecules interact with the surface. The presence of water and oxygen terminations was found to inhibit COâ‚‚ adsorption but enable water splitting, revealing MXenes’ potential in hydrogen production and catalysis. These findings provide critical insights into the surface chemistry and gas adsorption mechanisms of MXenes, offering practical guidance for optimizing their performance in energy storage, COâ‚‚ capture, and catalytic applications.

Published in 

Picture of MXene’s interaction with H₂, H₂O, and CO₂.

Unveiling the Electronic Fingerprints of MXenes for Future Energy Storage

This publication shows how MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, respond to electrochemical cycling in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. Using high-resolution titanium 1s X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), it is unraveled how subtle shifts in the Ti absorption edge reflect changes in the electronic structure during ion intercalation. The study reveals that these shifts originate not from changes in oxidation state, as previously thought, but from the involvement of Ti 4p orbitals in bonding with surface termination species. The results from analysis of the t2g-eg crystal-field splitting and radial distribution functions also reveal that the Ti–C bonds in MXenes are slightly weaker than in their three-dimensional MAX phase counterparts, but this is compensated by enhanced metallic bonding within the layers. These insights provide a more accurate understanding of MXene bonding, charge transport, and surface chemistry, all crucial for improving their performance in next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

Published in .

Picture of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals how Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene interact with surface termination species.

Selected publications

Yuchen Shi, Shun Kashiwaya, Jun Lu, Martin Dahlqvist, Davide Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Vladyslav Rogoz, Martin Magnuson, Grzegorz Greczynski, Mike Andersson, Johanna Rosén, Lars Hultman (2025)

Science Advances , Vol.11

Martin Magnuson, Per Eklund, Craig Polley (2025)

Physical Review Letters , Vol.134

Lars-Åke Näslund, Esko Kokkonen, Martin Magnuson (2025)

Applied Surface Science , Vol.684

Shun Kashiwaya, Yuchen Shi, Jun Lu, Davide Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Grzegorz Greczynski, Martin Magnuson, Mike Andersson, Johanna Rosén, Lars Hultman (2024)

Nature Synthesis , Vol.3 , s.744-751

Lars-Åke Näslund, Martin Magnuson (2023)

2D Materials , Vol.10

Lars-Åke Näslund, Mikko-Heikki Mikkelä, Esko Kokkonen, Martin Magnuson (2021)

2D Materials , Vol.8

Earlier projects

Short CV

• Associate Professor (Biträdande Professor) at the Thin Film Physics Group, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University since 2016-03-01.

• Senior University Lecturer (Associate Prof.) at the Thin Film Physics Division, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University from 2008-03-01 to 2016-02-28.

• Researcher and teacher, Dept. of Physics, Uppsala University from 2007-09-01 to 2008-02-29.

• Docent in Physics with Specialization in Atomic, Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics, Uppsala University, 2005-09-16.

• Junior Researcher (FoAss) and Associate Prof. (Docent) at the Department of Physics, Uppsala University, from2003-09-01 to 2007-08-31. 85-90% employed on VR grants and 10-15% teaching.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business at the School of Economics and Commercial Law, 1 year education, 40p, Gothenburg University and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 2002-2003.

• Two-year Post Doc/Guest Scientist at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), Laboratoire de Chimie Physique - Matiere et Rayonnement, CNRS, Paris, France, from 1999-09-01 to 2001-08-31. Funded by a grant from STINT (2 years).

• Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, Ph.D. (Tekn. Dr.), Uppsala University, 1999-05-14. Thesis title: Electronic Structure Studies Using Resonant X-ray and Photoemission Spectroscopy.

• Master of Science in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, (M.Sc.), 4.5 year education,180p Linköping University, 1987-1992.

News

Publications

2026

Arnaud le Febvrier, Sanath Kumar Honnali, Charlotte Poterie, Tiago V. Fernandes, Robert Frost, Vladyslav Rogoz, Martin Magnuson, Fabien Giovannelli, Joaquim P. Leitão, Jean Francois Barbot, Per Eklund (2026) Journal of Materials Chemistry A (Article in journal)

2025

Shailesh Kalal, Martin Magnuson, Alessandro Chesini, Akshaya A, Sanath Kumar Honnali, Sophia Sahoo, Nakul Jain, Dibyendu Bhattacharyya, Andrei Gloskovskii, Mukul Gupta, Feng Wang, Michele Orlandi, Grzegorz Greczynski, Kenneth Järrendahl, Per Eklund, Jens Birch, Ching-Lien Hsiao (2025) Small Structures, Article e202500504 (Article in journal)
Susmita Chowdhury, Hector Guerra Yanez, Sanath Kumar Honnali, Grzegorz Greczynski, Per O A Persson, Arnaud Le Febvrier, Martin Magnuson, Per Eklund (2025) Applied Materials Today, Vol. 44, Article 102730 (Article in journal)
Yuchen Shi, Shun Kashiwaya, Jun Lu, Martin Dahlqvist, Davide Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Vladyslav Rogoz, Martin Magnuson, Grzegorz Greczynski, Mike Andersson, Johanna Rosén, Lars Hultman (2025) Science Advances, Vol. 11 (Article in journal)
Martin Magnuson, Per Eklund, Craig Polley (2025) Physical Review Letters, Vol. 134, Article 106201 (Article in journal)
Lars-Åke Näslund, Esko Kokkonen, Martin Magnuson (2025) Applied Surface Science, Vol. 684, Article 161926 (Article in journal)

2024

Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Lina Rogström, Jun Lu, Hans Högberg, Per Eklund, Lars Hultman, Martin Magnuson (2024) Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 220, Article 105439 (Article in journal)
Susmita Chowdhury, Niraj Kumar Singh, Sanath Kumar Honnali, Grzegorz Greczynski, Per Eklund, Arnaud le Febvrier, Martin Magnuson (2024) Physical Review B, Vol. 110, Article 115139 (Article in journal)
Shun Kashiwaya, Yuchen Shi, Jun Lu, Davide Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Grzegorz Greczynski, Martin Magnuson, Mike Andersson, Johanna Rosén, Lars Hultman (2024) Nature Synthesis, Vol. 3, p. 744-751 (Article in journal)
Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Hans Högberg, Per Eklund, Lars Hultman, Prosper M. Nude, Abu Yaya, Martin Magnuson (2024) MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION, Vol. 41, p. 1533-1533 (Article in journal)
Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Hans Högberg, Per Eklund, Lars Hultman, Prosper M. Nude, Abu Yaya, Martin Magnuson (2024) Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Vol. 41, p. 1013-1023 (Article in journal)
Fuxiang Ji, Johan Klarbring, Bin Zhang, Feng Wang, Linqin Wang, Xiaohe Miao, Weihua Ning, Muyi Zhang, Xinyi Cai, Babak Bakhit, Martin Magnuson, Xiaoming Ren, Licheng Sun, Mats Fahlman, Irina A Buyanova, Weimin Chen, Sergei I Simak, Igor A. Abrikosov, Feng Gao (2024) Advanced Optical Materials, Vol. 12, Article 2301102 (Article in journal)
Rui Shu, Xiaofu Zhang, Ferenc Tasnadi, Weine Olovsson, Smita Gangaprasad Rao, Grzegorz Greczynski, Arnaud Le Febvrier, Martin Magnuson, Per Eklund (2024) Annalen der Physik, Vol. 534, Article 2300470 (Article in journal)
Elena Naumovska, Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Laura Mazzei, Arnaud Le Febvrier, Kristina Komander, Martin Magnuson, Max Wolff, Per Eklund, Maths Karlsson (2024) Vibrational Spectroscopy, Vol. 130, Article 103622 (Article in journal)

2023

Susmita Chowdhury, Victor Hjort, Rui Shu, Grzegorz Greczynski, Arnaud Le Febvrier, Per Eklund, Martin Magnuson (2023) Physical Review B, Vol. 108, Article 205134 (Article in journal)
Lars-Åke Näslund, Martin Magnuson (2023) 2D Materials, Vol. 10, Article 035024 (Article in journal)
Lina Rogström, Maiara Moreno, J. M. Andersson, M. P. Johansson-Jöesaar, Magnus Odén, K. Klementiev, Lars-Åke Näslund, Martin Magnuson (2023) Applied Surface Science, Vol. 612, Article 155907 (Article in journal)
Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Hans Högberg, Per Eklund, Lars Hultman, Prosper M. Nude, Abu Yaya, Martin Magnuson (2023) Environmental Earth Sciences, Vol. 82, Article 386 (Article in journal)
Gabriel Kofi Nzulu, Elena Naumovska, Maths Karlsson, Per Eklund, Martin Magnuson, Arnaud le Febvrier (2023) Thin Solid Films, Vol. 772, Article 139803 (Article in journal)
Andrej Furlan, Jun Lu, Lars Hultman, Ulf Jansson, Martin Magnuson (2023) Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, Vol. 35, Article 139501 (Article in journal)

2022

Weine Olovsson, Martin Magnuson (2022) The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Vol. 126, p. 21101-21108 (Article in journal)
Martin Magnuson, Lars Hultman, Hans Högberg (2022) Vacuum, Vol. 196, Article 110567 (Article, review/survey)

2021

Rui Shu, Daniel Lundin, Binbin Xin, Mauricio A. Sortica, Daniel Primetzhofer, Martin Magnuson, Arnaud Le Febvrier, Per Eklund (2021) ACS Applied Electronic Materials, Vol. 3, p. 2748-2756 (Article in journal)
Lars-Åke Näslund, Mikko-Heikki Mikkelä, Esko Kokkonen, Martin Magnuson (2021) 2D Materials, Vol. 8, Article 045026 (Article in journal)

2020

Martin Magnuson, Lars-Åke Näslund (2020) Physical Review Research, Vol. 2, p. 033516-1-033516-10, Article 033516 (Article in journal)