具体描述
Powder diffraction is a widely used scientific technique in the characterization of materials with broad application in materials science, chemistry, physics, geology, pharmacology and archaeology. Powder Diffraction: Theory and Practice provides an advanced introductory text about modern methods and applications of powder diffraction in research and industry. The authors begin with a brief overview of the basic theory of diffraction from crystals and powders. Data collection strategies are described including x-ray, neutron and electron diffraction setups using modern day apparatus including synchrotron sources. Data corrections, essential for quantitative analysis are covered before the authors conclude with a discussion of the analysis methods themselves. The information is presented in a way that facilitates understanding the information content of the data, as well as best practices for collecting and analyzing data for quantitative analysis. This long awaited book condenses the knowledge of renowned experts in the field into a single, authoritative, overview of the application of powder diffraction in modern materials research. The book contains essential theory and introductory material for students and researchers wishing to learn how to apply the frontier methods of powder diffraction
Powder Diffraction: A Cornerstone of Materials Science This book delves into the fundamental principles and diverse applications of powder diffraction, a powerful analytical technique that has become indispensable across numerous scientific disciplines. From its historical roots to cutting-edge advancements, Powder Diffraction provides a comprehensive exploration of how the interaction of X-rays (or neutrons, or electrons) with crystalline powders reveals crucial information about their atomic structure, phase composition, crystallite size, and lattice strain. The initial chapters lay a solid theoretical foundation, meticulously explaining the physics behind diffraction. Readers will gain a deep understanding of Bragg's Law, the reciprocal lattice concept, and the factors that influence diffraction peak intensity and shape. The book navigates the intricacies of crystal structures, detailing symmetry elements, space groups, and the process of indexing unknown diffraction patterns. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of data collection, including the selection of appropriate radiation sources, sample preparation techniques crucial for obtaining high-quality data, and the alignment and calibration of diffractometers. A thorough discussion of common experimental artifacts and troubleshooting strategies ensures that readers can confidently acquire reliable data. Moving beyond theory, the core of the book is dedicated to the interpretation and utilization of powder diffraction data. A significant portion is devoted to quantitative phase analysis, exploring various methods such as Rietveld refinement, Le Bail fitting, and the reference intensity ratio (RIR) method. The principles and practical implementation of each technique are clearly elucidated, with numerous examples illustrating their application in identifying and quantifying multiple crystalline phases within a sample. The book also thoroughly covers crystallite size and microstrain analysis, explaining how peak broadening phenomena can be deconvoluted to extract these vital microstructural parameters. The applications of powder diffraction are vast and varied, and this book showcases them with compelling case studies. Readers will discover how powder diffraction is used to characterize a wide range of materials, including: Inorganic Materials: The book details its role in the discovery and characterization of new mineral phases, the study of ceramic materials for technological applications, and the analysis of catalysts and pigments. The precise determination of unit cell parameters and phase transitions in oxides, sulfides, and other inorganic compounds is explored in depth. Organic and Pharmaceutical Materials: A substantial section is dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting how powder diffraction is critical for identifying polymorphs, controlling crystal form, and ensuring the quality and bioavailability of drug substances. The analysis of organic functional materials, such as those used in organic electronics and sensors, is also discussed. Metals and Alloys: The book examines the use of powder diffraction in understanding the phase transformations, texture, and residual stress in metallic materials, crucial for their mechanical performance and reliability. Nanomaterials: With the burgeoning field of nanomaterials, the book addresses the specific challenges and adaptations required for the diffraction analysis of nanoparticles, nanorods, and other nanoscale crystalline entities, including their unique diffraction characteristics and size-dependent properties. Polymers and Composites: While often amorphous, crystalline regions within polymers and composites can be effectively studied using powder diffraction, providing insights into their structure-property relationships. Furthermore, Powder Diffraction delves into advanced topics and emerging trends. This includes the application of in-situ and operando diffraction techniques, allowing researchers to monitor structural changes in real-time during chemical reactions, phase transitions, or under varying external stimuli (temperature, pressure, electric fields). The use of synchrotron and neutron diffraction, offering enhanced resolution, flux, and penetration depth, is also explored, demonstrating their power in tackling complex structural problems and studying light elements. The integration of computational methods, such as first-principles calculations and machine learning, with experimental diffraction data is presented as a frontier in modern materials characterization. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on providing practical guidance. Readers will find detailed discussions on data processing workflows, from background subtraction and peak fitting to advanced structural modeling. Strategies for optimizing experimental parameters to achieve specific analytical goals are clearly outlined. The book aims to equip readers with the knowledge and skills to not only perform powder diffraction experiments but also to critically interpret the results and extract meaningful scientific insights. In essence, Powder Diffraction serves as an authoritative and accessible resource for students, researchers, and practitioners alike. It illuminates the power and versatility of this fundamental technique, enabling a deeper understanding of the crystalline world that underpins so many aspects of our material existence. Whether exploring novel materials, ensuring product quality, or unraveling complex structural puzzles, powder diffraction remains an indispensable tool, and this book is its definitive guide.