Welcome
The Inorganic Materials Characterisation (IMC) facility is based in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory on South Parks Road, specialising in magnetic property and powder X-ray diffraction measurements. The facility houses an MPMS-XL and a state-of-the-art MPMS-3 SQUID magnetometer, low temperature conductivity measurement apparatus, high-intensity Bruker D8 Advance Eco and Malvern Panalytical X'pert Cu sourced diffractometers,a high-resolution Malvern Panalytical Empyrean Cu sourced diffractometer, a Mo sourced Malvern Panalytical Empyrean diffractometer with focusing mirrors for capillary measurements and a PheniX cryostat for low temperature flat plate measurements, and a Cu sourced Rigaku Smartlab diffractometer with options for measuring thin films, nanomaterials and high temperature measurements. The facility provides training to allow users to conduct their own measurements and support for interpreting their data. Access is open to members of the Chemistry department and is open to external researchers on request.
Magnetic property measurements are possible in the standard MPMS operating modes covering 1.8-400 K with DC, AC, and VSM magnetic measurement. Additional options are available for the MPMS3 including, Ultra low field, oven 300-1000 K, sample rotator, magneto-optic rod, electrical transport, and 1.3GPa high pressure cell.
The powder X-ray diffraction facilities are mainly focussed on collecting routine PXRD patterns for characterisation. The Bruker D8 diffractometer and Panalytical X'pert are configured to provide high throughput powder diffraction measurements, the former equiped with a fluorescence filtering detector and the latter a higher intensity source. The Empyrean diffractometers are configured for single-wavelength high resolution powder diffraction with variable optics and an option for transmission capillary measurement available on the Empyrean. Air-sensitive measurements are possible with in-house designed sample holders.
GIXRD, transmission SAXS, Reflectively, PDF, Low temperature (15-300 K) PXRD measurements and high temperature (25-1000 C) measurements are possible.
