What is the X-ray diffraction technique?

X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) is a technique used in materials science to determine the crystallographic structure of a material. XRD works by irradiating a material with incident X-rays and then measuring the intensities and scattering angles of the X-rays that leave the material [1].

Why XRD technique is important?

With XRD technique you can identify crystallographic phases of materials prepared and it can also provide information on unit cell dimensions. Then you can do elemental composition with EDS which works in conjunction with SEM for surface morphology.

Where is Xray Diffraction used?

With crystalline substances, the pattern creates three-dimensional shavings of diffraction in response to x-ray wavelengths, like the spacing of planes in a crystal lattice. This process is known as constructive interference and is used as a technique for studying crystal structures and atomic spacing.

What are the limitations of XRD?

XRD does, however, have certain limitations: To best identify an unknown powder material, the sample should be homogeneous. Typically XRD analysis requires access to standard reference data . Preparation of samples often requires grinding them down to a powder.

Who discovered XRD?

The discovery of X-rays and their properties As it is well known, X-rays were discovered on November 8, 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (Röntgen 1895), then professor of Physics at Wurzburg, while he was studying the fascinating phenomenon of the discharge of electricity through rarefied gases (Fig. 1).

What crystal is used for Xray Diffraction?

Filtering, by foils or crystal monochrometers, is required to produce monochromatic X-rays needed for diffraction. Kα1and Kα2 are sufficiently close in wavelength such that a weighted average of the two is used. Molybdenum is the most common target material for single-crystal diffraction, with MoKα radiation = 0.7107Å.