X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Facility
The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) facility at the University of Western Australia provides characterisation of crystalline materials that contain atoms, ions, or molecules which are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional structure. X-ray diffraction techniques are suitable for powder, clay, and single crystal samples.
What is XRD?
XRD is a widely used and essential technique that allows us to analyse the internal structure of crystalline materials. Developed in the early 20th century, XRD works by directing X-rays at a sample and measuring the distribution of waves (the diffraction pattern) that results. This process reveals important details about a material’s atomic arrangement. Understanding this atomic arrangement is crucial as it influences a material's fundamental properties, such as its solubility, stability, and overall performance
- Drug development: knowing the precise crystalline structure of a pharmaceutical compound can impact its solubility and bioavailability, ensuring the drug works effectively in the body.
- Materials science: understanding the atomic arrangement helps in developing new materials with desired properties, such as stronger alloys or more efficient semiconductors. This non-destructive technique is essential across diverse industries, including geology
Why do we use this technique?
The Space Crystallography Node
What we can do for you
Our capability
We offer advanced XRD techniques to investigate stronger alloys for aerospace engineering. Our custom-built diamond anvil cells allow us to collect high-pressure single-crystal and powder diffraction data, making it possible to analyse materials that undergo structural changes under tens of thousands of atmospheres of pressure. It allows us to see how materials deform, experimentally determine their hardness, and even recreate conditions found on other planets and moons. It also helps in understanding geological processes deep within the Earth, informing our knowledge of earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Beyond high-pressure studies, the platform routinely performs:
- Structure Determination of Low Melting Compounds: We can determine the atomic structure of compounds with low melting points (liquid under ambient conditions), complemented by techniques like low temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
- Variable Temperature Studies: Our instruments allow for studies across a range of temperatures (e.g., 183 to 126 degrees.), providing insights into how crystal structures or unit cell parameters change with temperature.
- Clay Mineralogy: We also specialise in clay mineralogy, with a significant amount of work done as full-service analysis for various organizations, including other Western Australian universities and consulting agencies across WA.
Why you should choose us
Decades of Expertise
Our crystallographic investigators possess extensive experience, totalling around 50 years, in diverse applications of X-ray diffraction.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities
We house custom-built diamond anvil cells, allowing us to perform high-pressure single-crystal and powder diffraction studies, a capability unique in Australia for analysing materials that change structure under pressure.
Comprehensive Analytical Services
We routinely perform structure determination of low melting compounds and cryogenically frozen liquids.
A Unified, State-of-the-Art Facility
Our facility integrates advanced instrumentation for powder, clay, and single crystal X-ray diffraction, offering a consolidated hub for all your diffraction needs.
Our services
Our team combines strong academic leadership with dedicated technical expertise to deliver comprehensive research services that foster meaningful collaboration.
We work closely with researchers, affiliates, and industry partners, offering a full range of engagement options including collaborative projects, user access and fee-for-service models that encompass sample preparation, analysis, and reporting. Backed by 50 years of collective experience in crystallographic investigations, we provide expert guidance and support at every stage of your research.
Crystalline Powder Samples
We provide material identification, phase ID, and semi-quantitative analysis via user access or a fee-for-service modal.
Single Crystal Samples
We offer full structure determination to atomic resolution for unknown compounds and can determine the absolute configuration for natural products and pharmaceuticals.
Clay Minerology
Our full-service analysis includes comprehensive preparation, such as the removal of organic matter, iron oxides, and carbonates, followed by clay fraction separation and detailed identification of clay mineral types.
Platform experts
Stephen Moggach
Professor
Emielda Yusiharni
Senior Scientific Officer
Our instruments
The X-ray Diffraction facility at the University of Western Australia is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments capable of generating high-quality crystallographic data. Below is a list of our primary instruments.
Single Crystal X-Ray Diffractometers:
· Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy S Single Source Diffractometer
· Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy S Dual Source Diffractometer
Powder X-Ray Diffractometers:
Location and contact
Contact
[email protected]
Address
Bayliss Building (M310)
Level 4, Room 4.51 Bayliss Building (access via Fairway Entrance 4)
The University of Western Australia
Crawley (Perth) Campus
35 Stirling Highway
Perth WA 6009
Australia
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