X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-ray Diffraction is a robust and versatile characterisation technique used across many research disciplines, primarily to identify the crystalline phases or compounds present in a sample. X-rays are focused at the sample and the intensity of the diffracted X-rays is recorded at varying angles to produce a diffraction pattern. Analysis of the pattern can be used to determine information including:

  • Material composition (crystalline phase identification)
  • Quantitative phase analysis
  • Crystallite size/strain
  • Material crystallinity
  • Lattice parameter determination

The Monash X-ray Platform houses five powder diffractometers covering a range of applications and techniques including:

  • In-situ X-ray diffraction with temperature and atmospheric control
  • Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD)
  • X-ray residual stress
  • Texture
  • Microdiffraction
  • XRD mapping
  • Transmission mode XRD
  • Variable temperature capillary XRD (from room temperature to 1100oC)
  • Air sensitive samples
  • Off axis X-ray diffraction
  • Customised setups for electrochemical cells or photon-current conversion measurements

The industries and research fields that regularly use our X-ray diffraction capabilities include:

  • Metals and alloys
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical and drug development
  • Energy materials and storage
  • Building and structural materials
  • Food and dairy
  • Mining and minerology
  • Semiconductor