Project Details
Projekt
X-ray Diffractometer
Subject Area
Chemical Solid State and Surface Research
Term
Funded in 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 568397132
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) at TU Dortmund University is planning to purchase a high-resolution X-ray diffractometer in order to significantly expand its research capacities in the field of materials chemistry analysis. At present, the department only has a device available for the analysis of powder samples for routine examinations, which does not meet the complex and specialized requirements of modern chemical materials research. The proposed X-ray diffractometer will play a central role in the structural analysis of crystalline and amorphous materials, particularly under variable temperature, mechanical pressure and gas atmosphere conditions. The planned equipment includes an X-ray source for hard radiation (MoK-alpha and AgK-alpha radiation), a highly sensitive 2D detector and a flexible sample stage. This is equipped with a capillary rotor, a high/low temperature cell for variable gas atmospheres and a flexible sample stage for the hydraulic high-pressure measuring cell previously developed at the DELTA synchrotron in Dortmund. This configuration enables both conventional diffraction experiments under a variety of environmental conditions and X-ray total scattering measurements to analyze pair distribution functions (PDF) of defect-rich and amorphous materials. The device is mainly used for research work on responsive crystalline solids and hybrid glasses. The focus is on phase transformations, structure-property relationships and the functionality of novel materials. The X-ray total scattering capability of the diffractometer significantly expands the analytical possibilities of TU Dortmund University, as this technique enables deep insights into the atomic structure of materials that are not accessible using conventional methods. These capabilities are crucial for research into phase transformations, the formation and function of responsive material properties and for understanding structure-property relationships in metal-organic framework compounds and hybrid glasses. In addition, the X-ray diffractometer supports interdisciplinary research projects, in particular with the Departments of Physics and Bio- and Chemical Engineering. It will act as a central key technology for cross-department projects and create a platform for innovative synergies. In addition, the device will help to implement the official development plan of the Department CCB and strengthen the materials science orientation of TU Dortmund University as a whole. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer therefore not only represents a significant step towards expanding the department's scientific infrastructure, but also makes a major contribution to promoting excellent interdisciplinary research.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Röntgendiffraktometer
Instrumentation Group
4010 Einkristall-Diffraktometer
Applicant Institution
Technische Universität Dortmund
