Single crystal X-ray diffractometer

• Subject Area: Chemical Solid State and Surface Research
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564094473

This proposal aims to install a new single-crystal X-ray diffractometer with respect to the recent hiring of Dr. Simon Krause to a W3 professorship at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and to extend the research capabilities of the core facility EMMA of the University Ulm. Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SC-XRD) as a Method of chemical characterization plays a fundamental role in the determination of the structure of molecules and materials. From the molecular structure not only is the compound identified, but also critical information about bonding (intermolecular and intramolecular), structure-reactivity-function relationships are obtained, which often leads to proposals for new synthetic targets. Thus, SC-XRD is an important technique that drives chemical research and discovery forward. The purpose of this proposal is to modernize the SC-XRD division of the Core Facility EMMA by replacing an outdated system (acquired in 2011). This diffractometer no longer represents today‘s standards in terms of detection and X-ray source, and as a result can not meet the demands of the research groups at the University of Ulm. The current and coming research programs at University Ulm involve molecules and materials that crystallize as weak-diffracting crystals, often due to their small size or lack of heavy atoms, which can not be successfully measured using the current diffraction instrument. We propose acquiring a single-crystal diffractometer with the following attributes to meet the daily demands of our research: 1) a brilliant X-ray source with a Cu rotating anode; 2) a sensitive photon-counting detector; 3) and a low-temperature cooling system. We see a modern single-crystal diffractometer as not only important for maintaining and supporting the innovative research programs at the University of Ulm, but also for keeping this important chemical characterization method available as a tool for the university research community at large.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Einkristall-Röntgendiffraktometer
• Instrumentation Group: 4010 Einkristall-Diffraktometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Leader: Professor Dr. Simon Krause