X-ray Diffraction Platform

Electrochemical cell, designed at CIC energiGUNE, that allow observing the changes in the Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) or Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) patterns during the electrochemical reaction of the material. Compatible with our SAXS, D8 Discover and D8 Advance aparatus.

SAXS (Small-Angle X-ray Scattering) is a reliable, economic and non-destructive method for analyzing nanostructured materials, yielding information on particle sizes and size distributions from 1 to 100 nm, shape and orientation distributions in liquid, powders and bulk samples.
A brilliant X-ray source is combined with innovative multi-layer optics, which provides an intense, point-like incident beam upon the sample. Thanks to the 3-pinhole collimation, the background is extremely low, which is a must for the analysis of weakly scattering samples. The VÅNTEC-2000 is a large 2-D detector with true photon counting ability, featuring a maximum performance in angular resolution, low background and dynamic range. Such a large 2-dimensional detector is essential for SAXS measurements as it avoids any potential misinterpretation of data, eliminating the need for restrictive initial assumptions about the sample. In fact, the NANOSTAR analyzes pure sample properties, even for non-isotropic sample systems. Additionally, a real space image with µm SAXS resolution of the sample can be taken by performing Nanography.

The D8 ADVANCE is an all-purpose X-ray analyser which can be configured for all powder diffraction applications, including phase identification, quantitative phase analysis, micro-structure and crystal structure analysis. The system can operate in both divergent and parallel beam geometries and is equipped with a LYNXEYE detector. The LYNXEYE is a 1-dimensional "compound silicon strip" detector for ultra-fast X-ray diffraction measurements. Implemented with the LYNXEYE, high quality diffraction data can be acquired with unprecedented speed, more than 150 times faster than a conventional point detector system. Temperature chambers are available for a broad range of temperatures (-190ºC-1200ºC) and under different atmospheres (Nitrogen, Helium, Oxygen, Air, Vacuum). Special accessories for air-sensitive samples as well as an electrochemical cell for in situ studies are also available.

The D8 DISCOVER is an all-purpose X-ray analyser which can be configured for a great of range diffraction applications: powder diffraction, including phase identification and quantitative phase analysis, micro-structure and crystal structure analysis, film analysis, residual stress and texture investigations. The system can operate in both divergent and parallel beam geometries and is equipped with a LYNXEYE XE detector. The LYNXEYE XE is the first energy dispersive 1-dimensional detector operating at room temperature for ultra fast X-ray diffraction measurements. It is developed on the basis of compound silicon strip technology and is specially optimized to meet the demands of X-ray diffraction in terms of highest count rate capabilities, best angular resolution (FWHM), and best energy solution. The LYNXEYE XE is the highest performing detector on the market in terms of both data quality and manufacturing quality, as manifested by high-speed data acquisition up to 450 times faster than a conventional point detector system. It is equipped with Vario1 monochromator system which removes unwanted characteristic radiation components such as K-beta, K-alpha2. This minimizes the peak overlap especially in the higher angular region. Furthermore the peak-to-background ratio is increased due to background suppression. Both effects significantly enhance the detection limits of minor phase amounts.