GFZ German research centre for geo sciences

X-Ray Powder Diffraction analysis (XRD)


Equipment & location: B352/B354

An X-ray Diffraction analysis is a method in which a beam of X-rays is usually directed at a fine powder of randomly oriented grains of crystalline substances. The X-rays are scattered in directions that depend on the crystal structure of the sample and the resulting X-ray diffraction pattern can uniquely identify the material.

The method is used to identify individual minerals in randomly oriented bulk rock powder samples (grain sizes <62 μm for qualitative analysis, <10 μm for quantitative analysis), or in oriented samples (size fraction <2 μm for clay mineralogy analysis). The PANalytical Empyrean XRD is additionally equipped with a humidity chamber, which allows in-situ XRD analysis of rocks during changing temperature and/or humidity.

Information on how to apply for analyses as well as the corresponding sample list can be found in the following pdf/excel file below:

Equipment: PANanlytical Empyrean X-ray Diffractometer

  • Theta-theta goniometer
  • 2 kW x-ray generator
  • Cu Kalpha tube
  • Variable slits
  • Sample changer
  • Software: HighScore, BGMN/Profex/AutoQuan

Powder X-ray diffractometer STOE StadiP

This powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) consists of two individual instruments capable of X-ray scattering analysis using both Cu (λ=1.54 Å) and Ag radiation (λ=0.56 Å) in transmission geometry. XRD can be used to analyze both crystalline and amorphous samples by measuring either conventional diffraction patterns or high Q-range total scattering patterns for pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. Measurements can be performed in room or elevated temperature up to 800 ⁰C.

The Powder X-ray diffractometer STOE StadiP is part of the Mineral Characterisation Laboratories in Section 3.5 "Interface Geochemistry" and is located in B360 (Section 3.1). For further information please contact Dr. Roberts Blukis.

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