Acquisition of an X-ray Powder Diffractometer with an Area Detector and Variable Temperature Capability

Georgetown University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Georgetown University will acquire an X-ray powder diffractometer with area detector and variable temperature capability. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the following: a) studies on liquid crystalline phases and the nature of the supramolecular structures in these systems; b) intermolecular interactions of and the supramolecular architecture of low molecular mass gelator materials within gel matrices; c) the relationship between growth of nanocrystalline solids in preferred orientations and resulting optical effects; and d) the identification of solid state materials via the determination of cell constants. The X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and it provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of the molecule relative to the neighboring molecules. These studies will have a signifcant impact in materials sciences.