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At least 19 records

Precision lattice parameter determination from transmission diffraction of thick specimens with irregular cross sections

Accurate determination of lattice parameters from X-ray diffraction requires that the diffraction angles be measured very precisely, and significant errors result if the sample–detector separation differs from that assumed. Transmission diffraction from bones, which have a complex cross section and must be left intact, is a situation where this separation is difficult to measure and it may differ from position to position across the specimen. Here, this article describes a method for eliminating the effect of variable sample cross section. Diffraction patterns for each position on the specimen are collected before and after 180° rotation about an axis normal to the cross section of interest. This places the centroid of the diffracting mass at the center of rotation and provides the absolute lattice parameters from the average apparent lattice parameters at the two rotation angles. Diffraction patterns were collected across the cross section of three specimens: a 3D-printed elliptical cylinder of Hyperelastic Bone (HB), which is composed primarily of synthetic hydroxyapatite (hAp), a 3D-printed HB model of the second metacarpal bone (Mc2), and a modern human Mc2 containing nanocrystalline carbonated apatite (cAp). Rietveld refinement was used to determine precise unit-cell parameters a apparent and c apparent for each pattern of each scan, and these values determined the actual average < a > and < c > for each sample. In conclusion, the results indicate that the 0°/180° rotation method works well enough to uncover variations approaching 1 × 10 -3 Å in cAp unit-cell parameters in intact bones with irregular cross sections.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Effect of Silver Ion Occupancy on Hollandite Lattice Structure

The effect of tunnel cations on tunnel size in α-MnO 2 structured (hollandite, cryptomelane) materials has long been of interest, as the tunnel size effects catalytic and transport properties. Previous research on the tunnel size has focused on potassium cryptomelane (K x Mn 8 O 16 ). This paper uses synthetic control of silver content in Ag x Mn 8 O 16 to investigate the effect that tunnel silver occupancy has on the lattice parameters. Materials with silver (x) content between 1.14 and 1.66 were synthesized, synchrotron diffraction and Rietveld Refinement was used to determine lattice parameters. The lattice parameters were found to contract as silver content increases (from 9.774 Å to 9.738 Å), in contrast to previous investigations of other tunnel cations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-ray studies of dynamic aging in an aluminum alloy subjected to severe plastic deformation

In this work, X-ray scattering methods were applied for a quantitative characterization of the microstructure of an aluminum alloy of the Al–Mg–Si system during dynamic aging realized through the high pressure torsion technique. A qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of the alloy was performed, together with Al alloy lattice parameter determination. From the reflections broadening the effective size of the coherent scattering domains and the lattice microstrain were determined in the framework of the Halder–Wagner approach. Using the method of small-angle X-ray scattering, the quantitative characteristics of the size, shape and spatial distribution of the secondary phase particles formed in the Al alloy during dynamic aging were established. In order to validate the obtained results, the method of small-angle X-ray scattering was preliminarily tested on similar samples after artificial aging and compared with the results from small-angle neutron diffraction widely known in literature. - Highlights: • Spherical fcc β-Mg2Si precipitates formed in Al 6201 alloy during dynamic aging in the course of severe plastic deformation. • The size, shape and distribution of the precipitates due to artificial and dynamic aging were revealed by SAXS method. • Monoclinic needle-like β' precipitates and Al5FeSi intermetallic phase were detected in 6201 alloy after T6 treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High energy X-ray characterization of the microstructure of PuGa alloy samples at macroscopic depths and non-ambient conditions

High energy (95 keV) X-rays were utilized to characterize the microstructure of eight PuGa alloy samples at room temperature and during cooling to ∼10 K. The samples had different Ga content (nominally 0-3.4 at.%), age, and history. A ninth sample, similarly characterized with neutron diffraction, was included to extend the Ga range to 7 at.%. The samples span the range from single phase α (monoclinic) to δ (face-centered cubic) PuGa, as well as a two-phase α′/δ sample. The crystallographic textures, phase fractions, lattice parameters and dislocation densities of each sample were evaluated through distinct analysis techniques. The textures of the samples were modest. In each case, the dislocation densities were relatively high, comparable to cold worked metals and metals exposed to similar radiation dose. At room temperature, the lattice parameters determined in the predominantly single-phase samples were larger than expected based on the nominal Ga concentration. The observed lattice thermal expansions of the single-phase δ samples to 10 K are self-consistent across the samples and consistent with previous measurements reported in the literature. Significantly larger thermal lattice strain is observed in the δ phase of the two-phase material due to mechanical constraint from the α′ phase, which has a three times larger thermal expansion and is much harder than the δ phase. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the unique value of high-energy X-rays for relatively routine microstructural characterization of Pu alloy samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermodynamic re-modelling of the Cu–Nb–Sn system: Integrating the nausite phase

Currently available Cu–Nb–Sn phase diagrams lack the recently discovered nausite phase (Cu,Nb)Sn 2 , which is an important intermediate in the course of thermal processing of superconducting Nb 3 Sn wires. Processing decisively determines the resulting microstructure of Nb 3 Sn and, thus, its superconducting properties. Lack of suitable and complete phase diagrams, however, obstructs rational design of such thermal processing procedures. To close this gap and to obtain valid knowledge of homogeneity and stability range of nausite, various Cu–Nb–Sn samples, which are heat-treated between 300 °C and 500 °C, are investigated. By means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), a temperature-dependent homogeneity range of nausite is observed, which covers average mole fractions of Cu between 0.09 and 0.15. This is correlated with a change in the mean atomic volume and can be seen in the lattice parameters determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally performed first-principles calculations on different CuSn 2 and NbSn 2 model structures confirm this trend. Furthermore, the peritectic decomposition of nausite to NbSn 2 and liquid at 586 °C is determined by means of in situ XRD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). By using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHase Diagrams) approach, all these findings are used to extend a previous thermodynamic description of the Cu–Nb–Sn system by including the nausite as an additional phase. Finally, with this noteworthy integration, the updated modelling of the Cu–Nb–Sn system can be used for optimizing the multistage heat-treatment steps during processing superconducting Nb 3 Sn wires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface speciation and interactions between adsorbed chloride and water on cerium dioxide

Abstract: Ceria particles with different specific surface areas were contaminated with chloride and water, then heat treated at 500 and 900 °C, to investigate the sorption behaviour onto the metal oxide. The association of chloride with the particles was investigated using electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. Results from xray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and infrared spectroscopy show that the amount of chloride and water adsorbed on the particles increases with surface area. These species are mostly removed upon heat treatment, from 6.3 to 0.8 at% Cl- on high specific surface area, and 1.4 to 0.4 at% on low specific surface area particles. Lattice parameters determined by x-ray diffraction reveal that chloride is not incorporated into the bulk ceria structure, but crystal size does increase upon contamination. Sintering of contaminated high specific surface area particles occurs with heat treatment at 900 °C, until they resemble low specific surface area particles synthesised at this temperature. The Ce L-edge XAS of ceria particles shows that chloride is not present in the first co-ordination sphere around Ce(IV) ions, so is not directly bonded to Ce as a chloride in the bulk structure.

Sutherland-Harper, Sophie↗

Investigations of cations distributions and morphology of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method and structural properties was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) at room temperature. X-ray diffraction data was used to determine lattice parameter, X-ray density, distributions of cations among tetrahedral and octahedral sites, site radii, ionic radii and bond length of inverse spinel cobalt ferrite. XRD analysis revealed crystallinity and high intense peak correspond to cubic inverse spinel structure with average crystalline size measured by X-ray line profile fitting was found to be 13nm for most intense peak (311). The surface morphology and microstructural feature was investigated by TEM analysis which revealed that particle size varying from 12-22 nm with selected electron diffraction pattern (SAED).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

X-Ray diffraction on large single crystals using a powder diffractometer

Information on the lattice parameter of single crystals with known crystallographic structure allows for estimations of sample quality and composition. In many cases it is sufficient to determine one lattice parameter or the lattice spacing along a certain, high- symmetry direction, e.g. in order to determine the composition in a substitution series by taking advantage of Vegard’s rule. Here we present a guide to accurate measurements of single crystals with dimensions ranging from 200 μm up to several millimeter using a standard powder diffractometer in Bragg-Brentano geometry. The correction of the error introduced by the sample height and the optimization of the alignment are discussed in detail. Finally, in particular for single crystals with a plate-like habit, the described procedure allows for measurement of the lattice spacings normal to the plates with high accuracy on a timescale of minutes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Shear strength of a refractory high entropy alloy MoNbTaVW under high pressure

Radial X-ray diffraction (R-XRD) was performed in situ using a Panoramic Diamond Anvil Cell on the refractory high entropy alloy MoNbTaVW. The lattice parameters were determined through a Le Bail fit using a body centered cubic (BCC) lattice of symmetry $Im$$\overline{3}$$m$ (international space group number 229). Upper and lower bounds to the shear strength were determined up to 80 GPa nonhydrostatically using copper as a pressure standard. The equation of state was derived at the magic angle ψ = 54.7° and yielded a bulk modulus of K 0 = 220.8 ± 1.65 GPa. The experimental lattice parameters and bulk modulus match closely with corresponding density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The BCC phase remains stable up to the highest pressure of 80 GPa studied and is shown to be elastically anisotropic. The shear strength was found to saturate around 70 GPa with a value of τ = 1.75 GPa, and the shear moduli are presented in different limits of iso-strain and iso-stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Growth and microtopographic study of CuInSe{sub 2} single crystals

The CuInSe{sub 2} single crystals were grown by chemical vapour transport (CVT) technique using iodine as transporting agent. The elemental composition of the as-grown CuInSe{sub 2} single crystals was determined by energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX). The unit cell crystal structure and lattice parameters were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface microtopographic study of the as-grown CuInSe{sub 2} single crystals surfaces were done to study the defects, growth mechanism, etc. of the CVT grown crystals.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High-pressure crystallography and compression behavior of the alkali-scandium-germanate end-members LiScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} and NaScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6}

Synthetic single-crystal samples of the monoclinic pyroxene-type compounds LiScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} and NaScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} have been investigated by means of in-situ high-pressure Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystal-structure investigations at hydrostatic high-pressure conditions were carried out in addition to 10{sup −4} GPa measurements using the diamond-anvil cell technique up to ∼9.5 GPa. Both samples, LiScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} (space group P2{sub 1}/c, a=9.9999(8) Å, b=9.1040(2) Å, c=5.4610(2) Å, β=109.240(2)° at 10{sup −4} GPa) and NaScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} (space group C2/c, a=10.1678(5) Å, b=9.1583(5) Å, c=5.5672(3) Å, β=107.257(3)° at 10{sup −4} GPa), did not undergo any compression-induced change of symmetry as confirmed by single-crystal diffraction patterns. Series of high-pressure Raman spectra confirm the absence of any symmetry-related structural phase transition with band positions shifting in a smooth fashion on increasing pressure. High-precision lattice parameters, as determined from X-ray diffraction profile analyzes, were used to monitor both the compressibilities of lattice directions and the evolution of the unit-cell volume with pressure. The experimental data was fitted using a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation-of-state approach and parameterized fits yield V{sub 0}=469.60(11) Å{sup 3}, K{sub 0}=85.6(1.3) GPa and K′=5.9(4) for LiScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} and V{sub 0}=495.95(19) Å{sup 3}, K{sub 0}=79(3) GPa and K′=3.9(1.1) for NaScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6}. The systematic comparison of volume properties and compression behavior shows that both pyroxene-type compounds follow established trend lines with similar slopes in comparing volumes versus bulk moduli, and confirm that the position of trend lines in this systematics describing variations with M1 critically depend on the type of M2 and T cations, independent on the space-group symmetry. - Graphical abstract: Polyhedral model of the LiScGe{sub 2}O{sub 6} crystal structure at 9.51 GPa. Red and blue: crystallographic distinctive germanium-tetrahedral chains; Green: scandium-octahedral chains; Purple: lithium atoms. - Highlights: • High-quality high-pressure data of previously uninvestigated germanate compounds. • Results confirmed through complementing sXRD with Raman spectroscopy. • Comparison and relation of high-pressure pyroxene-type compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

First-Principles Study of the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Fe{sub 8}Rh{sub 8–} {sub x}Z{sub x} (Z = Mn, Pt, Co; x = 1, 2, 3) Alloys

The results of first-principles studies of the structure and magnetic properties of Fe–Rh–Z alloys conducted using the VASP package are reported. The magnetic moments and lattice parameters are determined, and the possibility of existence of stable tetragonal distortions in Fe–Rh–Z alloys with various magnetic configurations set by the level of doping with Mn, Pt, and Co is examined. It is demonstrated that the equilibrium lattice parameter and the type of magnetic ordering change with the concentration of the third element.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Local atomic arrangement and scintillation properties of Eu- and Ce-doped NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Direct determination of rare earth location and local environment in NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7} are presented. Undoped and Ln-doped NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ln=Eu, Ce) were produced via PVA-assisted sol–gel method. Lattice parameters were determined from Rietveld refinement, showing monoclinic structure. XAS results suggested Eu{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} are incorporated into NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7} host in substitution to Y{sup 3+} site, with first coordination shell formed by six oxygen ions. Measurements at Eu edge showed a single peak in R space for Eu–O distribution. In this case, uniform interatomic distances implied to absence of significant disorder. Analysis at Ce edge presented different behavior, with Ce–O distribution characterized by a split peak in R space. Nearest neighborhood was found to be distributed with Ce occupying an off-center position in Y site. Under X-ray excitation, {sup 5}D{sub 0}→{sup 7}F{sub J} emission lines of Eu{sup 3+} were identified for NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu. NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce presented a broad emission formed by 5d→{sup 2}F{sub J} transitions of Ce{sup 3+}, with the superposition attributed to the effect of distorted oxygen octahedra around the dopant ions. - Graphical abstract: EuO{sub 6} and CeO{sub 6} octahedral arrangement relative to Y site in NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7} host, and XEOL emission of corresponding doped samples. - Highlights: • Lattice parameters of NaYP{sub 2}O{sub 7} undoped sample confirmed monoclinic structure. • Dopants Eu and Ce are incorporated in the trivalent state. • Local order of Eu{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} dopants substituting Y{sup 3+} consist of octahedral symmetry. • Off-center displacement in the case of Ce{sup 3+} position was discussed. • Luminescent properties under X-ray excitation may allow practical applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Néel temperature of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} in Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Co exchange-coupled system: Effect of buffer layer

The lattice parameter dependence of the Néel temperature T{sub N} of thin Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} in a Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Co exchange-coupled system is investigated. Lattice-mismatch-induced strain is generated in Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} by using different buffer layers. The lattice parameters are determined from out-of-plane and in-plane X-ray diffraction measurements. The Néel temperature is detected by direct temperature-dependent magnetization measurement as well as the temperature-dependent interface exchange coupling energy. It is observed that in-plane lattice contraction can enhance T{sub N} in Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, which is consistent with theoretical calculations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Crystal structure and thermal expansion of a CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7} scintillator

We used single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to determine crystal structure of CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7}. It crystallizes in a P112{sub 1}/b space group with a=19.352(1) Å, b=19.352(1) Å, c=14.838(1) Å, γ=119.87(2)°, and V=4818.6(5) Å{sup 3}. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements combined with the structural evolution of CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7} via X-ray diffractometry over a temperature range from room temperature to the melting point indicates no obvious intermediate solid–solid phase transitions. The anisotropy in the average linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the a axis (21.3×10{sup –6}/°C) with respect to the b and c axes (27.0×10{sup –6}/°C) was determined through lattice parameter refinement of the temperature dependent diffraction patterns. These findings suggest that the reported cracking behavior during melt growth of CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7} bulk crystals using conventional Bridgman and Czochralski techniques may be largely attributed to the anisotropy in thermal expansion. - Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional quadric surface of thermal expansion coefficient of CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7} at room temperature (sphere – isotropic) and near melting point (ellipsoid – anisotropic). - Highlights: • Crystal structure of CsCe{sub 2}Cl{sub 7} was solved through X-ray diffraction. • Linear coefficients of thermal expansion were determined from in-situ XRD in 25–650 °C. • Anisotropy of the a axis with respect to b and c axes (21.3 vs 27.0×10{sup –6}/°C) was found. • No solid–solid phase transitions were observed via XRD and thermal analysis.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Synthesis and Characterization of Sol–Gel Auto Combustion-Derived Ce/Zr-Substituted Strontium Hexaferrite Nanoparticles

In this work, Ce/Zr-substituted strontium hexaferrite (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}) nanoparticles have been synthesized by the sol–gel auto combustion method and the synthesized samples were annealed at 900 {sup ∘}C for 3 h. The powder XRD pattern revealed that all the diffraction peaks match the hexagonal phase of strontium hexaferrite and the lattice parameters are determined. The VSM study revealed that the values of saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanent magnetization are decreased for the Ce/Zr-substituted strontium hexaferrite sample. Thermal analysis reveals the formation of a hexagonal phase above 670 {sup ∘}C. The specific vibration band of hexagonal ferrite was observed in the range 400–600 cm{sup −1}. The FE-SEM image shows that the particles are spherical shaped and particle size varied from 37 to 44 nm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Neutron and X-ray powder diffraction study of skutterudite thermoelectrics

N- and p-type filled-skutterudite materials prepared for thermoelectric power generation modules were analyzed by neutron diffraction at the POWGEN beam line of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The skutterudite powders were processed by melt spinning, followed by ball milling and annealing. The n-type material consists of Ba–Yb–Co–Sb and the p-type material consists of Di–Fe–Ni–Sb or Di–Fe–Co–Sb (Di = didymium, an alloy of Pr and Nd). Powders for prototype module fabrication from General Motors and Marlow Industries were analyzed in this study. XRD and neutron diffraction studies confirm that both the n- and p-type materials have cubic symmetry. Structural Rietveld refinements determined the lattice parameters and atomic parameters of the framework and filler atoms. The cage filling fraction was found to depend linearly on the lattice parameter, which in turn depends on the average framework atom size. Ultimately, this knowledge may allow the filling fraction of these skutterudite materials to be purposefully adjusted, thereby tuning the thermoelectric properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Assessment of diagenesis in archaeological human second metacarpal bones using the intensity of the small angle X-ray scattering D -period peak

Bone consists mainly of carbonated apatite (cAp) nanoplatelets embedded in a matrix of collagen fibrils. Earlier, high-energy small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of archaeological adult human second metacarpal bones (mc2) found collagen D-period peaks with high-intensity I D in specimens in which microcomputed tomography (microCT) showed little diagenesis and I D ~ 0 for specimens where microCT revealed severe diagenesis (Park et al. 2022 Int. J. Osteoarchaeol. 32, 170–181 (doi:10.1002/oa.3053); Stock et al. 2022 Int. J. Osteoarchaeol. 32, 120–131 (doi:10.1002/oa.3049)). Here, the present paper uses SAXS at beamline 1-ID, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory and other techniques to study a set of 10 mc2 from an early Medieval cemetery at Greding, Germany. We hypothesized that non-invasive measurement of I D would provide an accurate and rapid (approx. 6 min/specimen) assessment of diagenesis in archaeological mc2. Results of Raman spectroscopy, laboratory microCT and backscattered electron, reflected light and polarized transmitted light microscopies confirmed the SAXS determinations, but lattice parameter values from X-ray diffraction were uncorrelated with I D value. Age-at-death estimates placed the 10 mc2 in three age categories (young adult, middle adult, old adult): lattice parameters from X-ray diffraction were uncorrelated with age at death. Cross-sectional bone area fraction from microCT dropped noticeably for the older age cohort.

Raman spectroscopy↗