Multiscale Imaging
From atomic interfaces to geological cores
THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTERDIGITAL ROCK &
POROUS MATERIALS PLATFORM
POROUS MATERIALS PLATFORM
The University of Manchester
Digital Rock &
Porous Materials
Platform
From Imaging Matter to Predictive Matter
Multiscale Characterisation4D DynamicsModelling & AIDigital Twin
Explore Platform →01 / Platform framework
From imaging matter
to predictive matter.
A single integrated framework connecting multiscale observation, dynamic experiments, physics, AI and digital twins—from nanopores to geological formations.
TEM Tomography(2D / 3D / 4D)
02 / Facilities
Observe porous matter across scale, modality and time.
Our partnerships connect laboratory, synchrotron and multiscale characterisation facilities for static, time-resolved and operando observation.
Complete observational spaceView the full-resolution Facilities map →01 / ScaleNano→Micro→Core
02 / Core techniques
Lab Macro / Micro / Nano-CTSynchrotron Micro / Nano-CTSEM / FIB / TEM TomographyAFM & Nano-IRHigh-Temperature, High-Pressure Gas SorptionHigh-Temperature, High-Pressure Batch ReactorsSpectroscopic & Chemical ImagingOperando Flow & Reaction Cells
03 / 4D observationStatic→Time-lapse→Operando
Multiscale × multimodal × time-resolved
Partnerships
Explore connected facilities ↘03 / Integrated capabilities
Built as a platform,
not a collection of tools.
Six connected capabilities support research from fundamental science through industrial translation.
↗
Dynamic Experiments
Operando, high-pressure and reactive systems
Modelling & AI
Physics-informed learning and digital twins
Digital Infrastructure
FAIR data, workflows and reproducible science
Applications
Energy, environment and advanced materials
Impact & Collaboration
Industry, facilities, training and open science
£15M+research funding secured
£3.5M+as Principal Investigator
30+PI-led synchrotron experiments
120+PI-led beamtime days
04 / Featured research
Evidence across scale,
time and process.
Selected examples show how imaging becomes mechanistic understanding—and ultimately prediction.
Multiscale imagingSub-nm → cm
Connecting pores across scales
Correlative imaging and upscaling connect sub-nanometre structures with centimetre-scale rock architecture.
4D thermal response0–400°C
Watching pore networks evolve under heat
Nano-CT reveals progressive pore and fracture development from ambient conditions to 400°C.
Dynamic transport3D + time
How particles block and reopen pores
Time-resolved imaging captures attachment, bridging, pore filling, compaction and remobilisation.
Mechanical behaviourImaging + DVC
Where fractures begin—and why
Digital volume correlation links local strain, mineral composition and rock fabric to fracture propagation.
Reactive transportReaction + flow
When mineral reactions reshape flow
4D imaging tracks dissolution and precipitation as they progressively alter fractures and nanoporous pathways.
05 / Applications
Predictive porous materials for a changing world.
Oil and GasShales and MudstonesNuclear Waste DisposalGeothermalGeological CO₂ StorageUnderground Hydrogen StorageNatural HydrogenEnvironmental RemediationCatalysisBatteries
06 / People
People shaping predictive porous materials.
Our team connects multiscale imaging, experimentation and modelling across geoscience, energy and advanced materials.
Lin Ma
Kevin Taylor
Current PDRAs
3 researchers
Dr. Jingyue Hao · Dr. Heather Braid · Dr. Zhongbei Li
Current PhD researchers
9 researchers
Xin Zhong · Camilo Salazar · Ali Bony Kaya · Sonu Sudhikumar Seena · Bengang Chen · Jeffrey Akuoko · Chunmiao Ma · Yifan Yin · Deni Suryo Pratama
Team network
Current team & alumni
Researchers trained across multiscale imaging, subsurface processes and predictive modelling.
Meet the full team →07 / Projects & networks
Connected to national research infrastructure.
Selected programmes link facilities, fundamental science and translation across energy and environmental challenges.
National Research Facility in Lab X-ray CT — NXCT IIGEOSAFE — Geological Disposal of Radioactive WasteThe University of Manchester at HarwellHydrogen Research CorridorEnabling Hydrogen Storage Near Industrial Clusters
08 / Opportunities
PhD opportunities
for 2027 entry.
We welcome enquiries from prospective PhD researchers and collaborators interested in digital rock, multiscale imaging, subsurface energy storage and image-based modelling.