COURSE DESCRIPTION: Interactions X rays -matter; neutrons-matter and electrons- matter; X ray, synchrotron, neutron sources. From crystal lattice to crystal symmetry: symmetry elements, crystallographic point groups, symmetry classes; internal structure of crystalline matter; space groups. X ray diffraction by crystalline matter ( structure factors; direct and reciprocal lattices) X ray powder diffraction methods: interest and specificity of Debye Scherrer and Bragg-Brentano configurations. Basics of Powder diffraction and Pdf data base. Structure determination methods (powder): data extraction; the Rietveld method; Monte Carlo and simulated annealing methods. Peak shape related influences and information: grain size and micro-strain analyses.

AIMS:

• To develop the competence of the students applying diffraction techniques towards structural elucidation
• To highlight modern advances in XRD instrumentation and techniques
• When to use and how to get access to these techniques

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After completing this unit the student should be able to cope with:

• Structural problems in ordered solid state
• Phase identification problems in: crystalline powders: single phase / polyphasic materials; glass ceramics
• Solid solutions characterization

TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Lectures and colloquia: 50 hours
Student centred learning: 75 hours
Total student effort: 125 hours

ASSESSMENT:

Written protocol with the correct structural elucidation for a given sample (25%). Written final examination (75%)

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Diffraction structure from powder diffraction data. David, Shankland, Mc Cusker, Baerlocher. Oxford Science Publication
Defect and microstructure analysis by diffraction. Synder, Fiala, Bunge. Oxford Science Publication
Solid State Chemistry and its applications. A.R. West- John Wiley and Sons.

Main Page | Faculty Of Chemistry | Webmaster