Phase identification

Looking at the long range order in the sample

Phase identification,
what is measured?

The measurement identifies whether a specific phase is present in the sample.

Confirmation of a structural hypothesis is done by confronting the expected Bragg peaks (in terms of Q positions and intensities) to the X-ray scattering data. It also provides a quick access to the corresponding unit cell parameters.

Typical phases are: lamellar, hexagonal, cubic…

Figure 1. Identification of a hexagonal 2D supperlattice.
Reference: García‐Iglesias, M. , de Waal, B. F., de Feijter, I. , Palmans, A. R. and Meijer, E. W. (2015), Nanopatterned Superlattices in Self‐Assembled C2‐Symmetric Oligodimethylsiloxane‐Based Benzene‐1,3,5‐Tricarboxamides. Chem. Eur. J., 21: 377-385. doi: 10.1002/chem.201404375)

Samples

Typical samples for this measurement are:

  • Micelles

  • Block copolymer systems in all forms

  • Liquid crystals

  • Powders

  • Nanostructured solids

Methods & standards

Standards & methods used for phase identification:

XSACT analysis software implements the above method.

Why use SAXS for phase identification?

Advantages of SAXS for phase identification:

  • SAXS measurements are suitable for in situ and/or operando conditions

  • SAXS allows to follow direct phase transformation

  • It accurately reveals the evolution of phases as a function of external parameters such as temperature, reaction time or shear.

Examples of customer publications making use of phase analysis and evolution studies as a function of temperature:

 

Discover the variety of characterizations with SAXS

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Phase Identification

Phase Identification – Why Use Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

Phase Identification – Looking At The Long Range Order In Samples With SAXS. Methods, Standards, Advantages, Learn On SAXS Characterization