X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
X-Ray Laboratory of the NanoBioMedical Centre has two modern and stand-alone X-ray diffractometers, EMPYREAN and X'Pert PRO MRD (PANalytical).
The availability of state-of-the-art research equipment and qualified staff ensure the highest level of scientific research. Professional research equipment allows for carrying out the didactic activities and ensures its high level.
The availability of state-of-the-art research equipment and qualified staff ensure the highest level of scientific research. Professional research equipment allows for carrying out the didactic activities and ensures its high level.
EMPYREAN X-ray diffractometer (PANalytical) with equipment
This powder diffractometer is working in Bragg-Brentano geometry and has standard equipment of Cu tube working at linear/dot source, reflection-transmission spinner (plus automatic sample changer), and a fast PIXcel 3D linear detector, working in four modes.
Additionally, EMPYREAN has accessories: Co and Ag tubes, solid sample stage, temperature stage TTK 450, computed tomography stage, capillary spinner, scintillation detector and two self-contained cooling systems: i) OxfordCryosystems (Cryostream 700 Series, Plus), ii) Anton Paar (TCU 110), working in the range from -193 °C to + 227 °C and from -193 °C to + 450 °C, respectively.
The wide range of configuration combined with ‘PreFIX’ system (pre-aligned fast interchangeable X-ray modules) allow us to perform various types of measurements, such as:
- quantitative and qualitative phase analysis (based on the latest ICDD PDF4+ database),
- phase analysis in wide range of temperature (solid/liquid - using capillaries),
- analysis of the distribution of distance between pairs of particles contained in a given volume - PDF (Pair Distribution Function),
- measurement of average size and distribution of pore size/grains using SAXS method (Small Angle X-ray Scattering),
- computed tomography (CT);
X'Pert PRO MRD X-ray diffractometer (PANalytical) with equipment:
X'Pert PRO MRD with goniometer of five degrees of freedom: X-Y-Z-Phi-Chi is dedicated mainly for thin layer analysis. Standard equipment includes Cu tube, working at linear/dot source, magnetic stage, two proportional detectors Xe, crossed slits (controlling the beam height and width between 0 mm and 10 mm).
Additionally X'Pert PRO MRD has following accessories: parabolic mirror MRD, programmable beam attenuator Ni 0.125 mm, 4-crystal symmetrical monochromator Cu Ge(200), parallel plate collimator, programmable receiving slit with FASS, triple axis (Monochromator 3xGe200 Cu Sym. double, Rocking curve optics double).
Area of research:
- reflectivity measurement,
- rocking curve measurement,
- reciprocal space mapping,
- phase analysis at low incident angle,
- pole figure measurement,
- stress analysis.
Sample results
Spectral X-ray powder diffraction pattern for pharmacologically active substance from the L-type vasodilatation antagonists group nifedipine with structural identification based on the ICDD PDF4 +
SAXS diffractogram for ink-bottle silicone pores; Confirmation of crystalline structure type F4132
