Instruments

The facility provides sample analysis via single crystal x-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The three techniques are complementary and are routinely used by material scientists, chemists, biochemists, physicists, geologists, mineralogists, and engineers.

Single Crystal Diffraction

Bruker KAPPA APEX II

A 4-circle Kappa goniometer with the APEX II CCD detector. The x-ray source is a molybdenum fine focus sealed tube combined with the new TRIUMPH monochromator which delivers more than three times higher intensity at the sample than previous generations of monochromators.

Bruker SMART APEX II

A 3-circle goniometer with the APEX II CCD detector. The x-ray source is a molybdenum fine focus sealed tube combined with a Monocap focusing collimator for increased intensity.

Powder Diffraction

Rigaku Ultima IV Diffractometer

A general purpose theta-theta system with a copper source and one diffracted beam monochromator that can be used with either focused beam or parallel beam geometries (PB is ideal for irregular surfaces). The system is configured for use of either fixed or variable slit widths; the latter facilitating data measurement at low angles. A small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) attachment is used for determining particle/pore size of a nanomaterial (1-100nm) in transmission mode. A micro area stage and microscope allow for x-y mapping of a sample by scanning various x-y positions with very small beam sizes using a specially designed selection slit.

X-ray Fluorescence

Rigaku Supermini200 WDXRF Spectrometer

Samples analysis is performed on a Rigaku Supermini200 benchtop sequential wavelength-dispersive spectrometer equipped with a 200 W Pd-anode X-ray tube. A combination of two analyzing crystals, and scintillation and flow proportional detectors permit analysis of all elements from Sodium (Na) to Uranium (U). An autosampler allows for automated determination of up to 12 samples. The XRF is supported by a sample preparation lab with a Claisse M4 Fluxer for fused disks and a Carver press for pressed pellets.