FAB-1
FAB-1 (First African Beamline) is a laboratory-based hard X-ray absorption spectrometer (XAS) based on the EasyXAFS 300+ system. It represents the first instrument of its kind commissioned on the African continent and overcomes traditional challenges of African researchers to access XAS at international facilities such as synchrotron light sources. The instrument was funded through contributions of the National Research Foundation (NRF) National Equipment Program, the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Germany, and contributions from members of the Catalysis Institute.
Unlike conventional synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory-based FAB-1, provides African researchers with reliable, routine access to advanced X-ray absorption spectroscopy minimizing travel costs, scheduling constraints, and logistical barriers of international facilities. The instrument supports both transmission and fluorescence measurement modes, and its 300+ configuration additionally enables X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), offering complementary insight into electronic structure beyond standard XAS.
At its inaugural "first light" in February 2026, FAB-1 recorded the first-ever X-ray absorption spectrum measured on African soil a Ni K-edge spectrum of an iron and nickel based catalyst used in CO₂ valorization research. FAB-1 will be operated as a joint laboratory between UCT’s Catalysis Institute and the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in Germany. The team at HZB is operating the globally renowned synchrotron light source BESSY II and will assit FAB-1 through technical support and training initiatives.
This partnership further will allow FAB-1 to be hosted on the BESSY II application platform GATE via which African researchers will be able to apply for measurement time in the future. While these structures are developed, we invite researchers to contact the FAB-1 team via e-mail outlining the nature of the samples and the associated research questions.
Possible Areas of Research
Catalysis, Materials Science, Energy and Environment, Chemistry, Physics, Geoscience, Functional Materials, Condensed Matter.
INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS
MEASURABLE ELEMENTS (Green colour labelled)
Access Platform - Currently via mail, in future via platform
Status - Operational
Spokespersons:
Prof. Nico Fischer, Director of the Catalysis Institute, UCT, nico.fischer@uct.ac.za
Dr. Shaine Raseale, Assistant Lecturer, Catalysis Institute, UCT, shaine.raseale@uct.ac.za
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saravanan, Post doctoral researcher, Catalysis Institute, UCT, praveen.kumarsaravanan@uct.ac.za