Dr. Vincent Vo

I gonna share here a curated list of essential academic software and tools that have proven invaluable in my research. From XPS fitting programs for surface analysis to XAS (X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy) tools, and even graphic design software for creating publication-ready figures, these resources cover a wide range of research needs.

Beyond just listing tools, I offer personal insights and tips based on my own experiences. Whether it's optimizing XPS fitting, enhancing XAS data interpretation, or designing impactful visuals for journal submissions, my goal is to help fellow researchers streamline their work and achieve better results.

SOFTWARES

CATAPP

CatApp is a web application that offers public access to DFT-calculated reaction and activation energies. For instructions on how to use and install CatApp on your computer or smartphone, check here

XPSPEAK 4.1

XPSPeak, developed by Raymund Kwok, is a free, fully-featured software for analyzing XPS spectra. This portable application creates a sandbox folder in its current location to store all settings and temporary files, making it convenient for users.
This might not be the most powerful, but the most simple and convenient one.

Download link here

PROFEX

Profex is a program for Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, utilizing the BGMN refinement kernel. It supports phase identification, phase quantification, and structure refinement, offering users a wide range of convenient features.

Free download here

SEM/TEM image processing

ImageJ is a Java-based graphic design program dedicated to analyzing images that you can install on your compatible Windows desktops for free. Instead of using Gatan Digitial Micrograph, you can use ImageJ for lattice spacing calculation for your HRTEM images.

Download here

Instruction here

SketCHUP 3D

Google SketchUp 3D is a user-friendly modeling software that enables users to easily create and manipulate 3D objects. Researchers and educators can use SketchUp to visualize complex concepts, design experiments, and create engaging educational materials, enhancing understanding and communication in scientific fields.

3Ds max

Autodesk 3ds Max is professional 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software. For scientific illustrations, 3ds Max can visualize complex concepts, model experiments, or material structures (complex morphology, reactor...). Most scientific illustrations are made using 3ds Max, thanks to its powerful features and flexibility, making it an excellent tool for creating high-quality scientific graphics.

EXPERIENCE NOTES

Processing electrocatalytic data

This lecture provides insights on processing electrocatalytic data, with a focus on OER, ORR, and HER.

Access link here

USEFUL LINKS

XPS Database

The NIST (XPS Database provides convenient access to the energies of numerous photoelectron and Auger-electron spectral lines. Compiled through a thorough evaluation of published research, the database includes over 22,000 entries for line positions, chemical shifts, doublet splittings, and energy separations.
Access link here

MATERIALS PROJECT

The Materials Project leverages supercomputing and advanced methodologies to offer open, web-based access to computed data on known and predicted materials. It also provides powerful analysis tools to inspire the discovery and design of new materials.
This is particularly helpful for beginners who want to make illustrations for their structure.

Access link here

MOLVIEW

MolView is an intuitive web application designed to enhance science and education. Primarily a web-based data visualization platform, MolView allows users to explore various scientific databases, including compound, protein, and spectral databases.

Access link here

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