JC

James J. C. Counter

University of Manchester, University of Reading

Research areas: Materials Science · Surfaces, Coatings and Films · Electron and X-Ray Spectroscopy Techniques · Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis

ORCID iD 0000-0001-8085-2972
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About

James J. C. Counter is a Research Associate in the Walton Group at the University of Manchester, specialising in the development sample environments for soft X-ray spectroscopy techniques such as XPS and NEXAFS to probe catalysts under reaction conditions. His current research focuses on instrumentation development to enable operando and in-situ measurements in standard UHV XPS instruments.
He obtained his MChem degree from the University of Reading in 2021. During his undergraduate studies, he completed a year-long industrial placement at Ilika, where he characterised thin-film solid-state batteries and gained experience in advanced materials characterisation. His master's research investigated the adsorption of siloxanes on mesoporous platinum films using quartz crystal microbalance techniques, contributing to the development of gas-sensing technologies.
James completed his PhD at the University of Reading in 2025 in collaboration with Diamond Light Source and Johnson Matthey. His doctoral research focused on the development of a spectroelectrochemical cell and working electrode assembly for in situ soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) studies of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts. This work enabled the investigation of catalyst surface chemistry, oxidation states, and electronic structure under electrochemical operating conditions, providing new insights into the behaviour of iridium oxide-based materials during water oxidation.
As a postdoctoral researcher in the Walton Group, James is developing novel instrumentation and sample environments that enable near-ambient pressure and operando XPS measurements on conventional ultra-high vacuum XPS systems. Working in collaboration with the Weatherup Group, his research seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory-based surface science and real-world operating environments. He applies these approaches to investigate heterogeneous catalysts and electrochemical systems, including Fischer–Tropsch catalysis and water-splitting electrocatalysts. His broader research interests include surface and interface chemistry, operando spectroscopy, advanced materials characterisation, and the development of new methodologies for studying dynamic chemical processes.
Alongside his research activities, James supervises student research projects and contributes to laboratory management and safety. He serves as the Chemical Safety Advisor and Postdoctoral Researcher Safety Representative for the Photon Science Institute, supporting safe working practices and fostering a positive research culture.

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