A new X-ray diffractometer has been installed in the Department’s microanalysis laboratory. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a key scientific technique for determining the crystal structure of natural and human-made samples.
The upgrade allows for faster sample analysis — facilitating a wide range of new experiments, including real-time characterization of crystals as they transform when heated in various gases, or even as they grow in a solution.
The Panalytical Empyrean XRD was funded by EPSRC Core Equipment funding allocated to the University of Cambridge, and will bring together investigators from across the Department as well as collaborators in chemistry and materials science.
“Owing to its flexibility and range of experimental capabilities, we hope the XRD will become a central resource for researchers both in the department and elsewhere in the university,” said Dr Rosa Danisi, technician in the microanalysis laboratory.
X-ray diffraction works by firing a beam of X-rays onto a sample and measuring the angle they are diffracted off of planes of atoms in the crystal lattice. The data can be used to identify different mineral phases in powdered rock, or to look deeper at how atoms are arranged inside crystal structures.
The Empyrean is a major advance on what is a well-established technique. In fact it has the highest angular resolution of any laboratory powder diffractometer and delivers data close to synchrotron quality. “It’s remarkable to be able to work with this instrument,” said Danisi, “we’re looking forward to putting it to the test and exploring its capabilities.”
Aside from faster analysis time, the setup allows for measurements of air-sensitive materials under various conditions, including different temperatures, pressure ranges and atmospheres.
Cambridge Earth Science’s Professor Nick Tosca led the bid for the new instrument. “This is a really exciting bit of kit and one that could become an all round workhorse to support the Department’s diverse needs.” He added that the new capabilities will be invaluable for his own research group’s work on the stability of minerals in ancient environments.
Examples of XRD applications
Mesecke, K., Malorny, W., & Warr, L. N. (2020). In situ monitoring of hydrothermal reactions by X-ray diffraction with Bragg–Brentano geometry. Journal of Applied Crystallography, 53(4), 1163-1166.
Zhu, B. (2020). In Situ Analysis of Lactose Crystal in Solution through Slurry Flow Cell X‐Ray Diffraction. Crystal Research and Technology, 55(6), 1900225.