Samples with Strong X-Ray Absorption

Considerations for strongly absorbing samples are discussed below.

Background

A brief discussion on X-ray absorption theory can be found on the Wiki page X-ray Absorption & Fluorescence.

11-BM uses transmission (Debye-Scherrer) geometry, therefore sample x-ray absorption (μ) must be considered. Absorption is not normally a problem for most users - the high energy beam (~ 30 keV) is easily able to penetrate these samples. However, absorption can be an issue for materials containing a large fraction of high-Z elements.

A highly absorbing sample will result in a transmission powder pattern with attenuated diffraction peak intensities, especially at low 2 θ angles (the sample is absorbing both the incoming and diffracted x-rays). It may not be possible to analyze these data in any meaningful way.

For samples with moderate absorption, peak intensities are still attenuated, but it is less dependent on scattering angle. Most refinement software packages can correct for this effect (or it can be incorporated in the refined atomic thermal parameters). For samples with low absorption, this effect is negligible and can be ignored.

The total absorption of any sample can be calculated before a measurement. It is a function of the sample composition, packed sample density, capillary radius, and the x-ray wavelength. One first determines the absorption for the composition and x-ray wavelength (μ), then calculates the total absorption (μ*r) for the actual sample to be measured using the capillary radius (r), sample density and packing fraction.

Guidelines for 11-BM Mail-In Samples

For its mail-in program, 11-BM uses a wavelength of ~ 0.41 Å (30 keV), and the standard supplied capillary tubes have a radius of 0.04 cm (~0.8 mm diameter). Larger capillary tubes are now also available.

Use the convenient Absorb web utilty to estimate sample absorption: http://11bm.xray.aps.anl.gov/absorb/absorb.php

Range of μ*r values

The experimental implications for a range of sample absorption values (μ*r) are given below:

• μ*r < 0.5 : Very low absorption (might want to use a larger diameter sample to improve the signal!)
• 0.5 < μ*r < 1.5: Normal - this range is OK, for very precise thermal parameters a small correction may be needed
• 1.5 < μ*r < 2.5: High - absorption correction recommended for analysis
• μ*r > 2.5 : Absorption is too large - consider an alternative sample preparation (see below)

Practical Example

As a practical example, 11-BM staff have examined different methods of preparing x-ray absorbing powder samples for transmission capillary diffraction measurements at 30 KeV on the APS beamline 11-BM.

The results are discussed here - highlighted in the images and plots below. For each measurement the beamline settings, scan time, and scan parameters were identical. The only variable is method of sample capillary preparation.

Kapton capillaries containing the same starting SnO₂ powder were prepared by different methods and using different size capillaries.

• Neat capillaries were filled directly with the SnO₂ powder
• Coated capillaries were prepared using grease described below to coat the Kapton tube
• Diluted capillaries were filled with a homogeneous mixture of SnO₂ powder plus amorphous SiO2 glass powder to reduce the muR

Main points

• It is import to consider x-ray absorption - compare the solid 1.5 mm SnO2 data (pink scan) with the coated 1.5 mm data (red scan)
• Even for the same muR value, different preparation methods can give different results
• For highly absorbing compositions, the coated approach often gives the best ratio of Intensity to background
• Dilution works - but is less successful when the diluent:sample molar ratio goes above 5:1 (muR < ~ 2 in this case for SnO₂ )

Comments

• Rather than use an estimated muR value, the true sample absorption was evaluated for each capillary using a measurement of transmitted beam intensity on a pin diode placed downstream of the sample.
• A large ratio of Intensity to background will normally give higher counts and resolve weak peaks better.
• The key to the success of a coated approach is that larger diameter coated tubes use the full vertical height of the 11-BM x-ray beam (~ 0.6 mm FWHM) , while a smaller diameter capillary (< 0.5 mm) with the same muR value wastes all the photons which do not hit the capillary above and below the sample.

X-ray scattering & absorption of SnO2 powder capillaries; results summary - click for a larger view

X-ray scattering & absorption of SnO2 powder capillaries; example diffraction patterns - click for a larger view

Preparation methods to lower absorption

To decrease the μ*r of a highly absorbing sample, one must lower its effective packed density or reduce its radius.

SPECIAL NOTE January 2013: A recent series of 11-BM measurements suggests that an appropriately diluted (with glass silica etc) sample packed into a standard size capillary results in data better signal/noise than an non-diluted sample in a smaller diameter capillary with equivalent muR. Watch for more details here in the near future. Email 11-BM staff with questions in the meantime.

Dilution

One trick is dilute your sample by mixing with a lower density and amorphous material (no extra Bragg peaks!) to lower the overall absorption. Good candidates for this dilution method include silica (SiO2 glass) powder (you can grind it by hand using a mortar and pestle) or amorphous boron.

Nested Capillary

An absorbing powder sample could also be loaded into a smaller diameter capillary, which is then inserted into the standard 11-BM Kapton tube.

Be sure to record the relative amounts of sample and dilution material to determine the average composition of your mixed powder. Once the mixed powder sample is loaded in a capillary, you can determine the actual packed density by measuring the total weight (minus the empty capillary) and volume of the packed sample (packed length * π * r²).

Read our guidelines on nesting capillaries

Coated Capillary

In extreme cases for samples with very high absorption one might consider coating the *inside* of the Kapton capillary with a layer of sample powder mixed with a silicone grease. Or coating the outside of a smaller diameter nested capillary. The sample powder must be *inside* the supplied Kapton tube for mail-in samples.

Using this approach you essentially end up with a hollow tube of sample powder. This gives a good sized sample target with good powder averaging statistics, but without the absorption problems of a solid sample.

YouTube Demo Video (NEW!)

YouTube LINK - Watch video instructions on how to prepare a grease coated capillaries for 11-BM powder XRD measurements

Important !! If you plan to use a large diameter mail-in base and nest a smaller size coated Kapton tube, please send 11-BM staff an additional email directly after you request your bases and state this so we can be sure to send both size Kapton tubes. Read more here: https://wiki-ext.aps.anl.gov/ug11bm/index.php/Mail-In_Bases

Careful! Do not use that random grease you find in the lab without first checking it on the lab XRD. Dow Corning #4 Electrical Insulating Compound silicone grease is recommended. (see plots below). Other silicone greases may also work. Less ideal choices include Vaseline and other high vacuum greases. These greases contain an crystalline phase which will add small peaks to the sample diffraction pattern. See an example of this plotted here for different greases measured at 11-BM (click for larger image).

NOTE: Consider if the grease is compatible with the temperature(s) you wish to measure. Dow Corning #4 works well for scans at room temperature and below (grease will become very viscous at higher temperatures).

If in doubt, check the grease on your lab XRD machine first.

More Information

• Wiki page on X-ray_Absorption and Fluorescence
• Chapter on X-ray absorption in the International Tables for Crystallography (2006). Vol. C, Chapter 6.3.

Please contact 11-BM staff if you have questions about sample preparation for highly absorbing materials

Examples

Visual Example

An example illustrating how (severe!) sample x-ray absorption can impact the quality of your 11-BM powder diffraction data is shown below. (click for larger image)

Numeric Examples

Example absorption calculations using Absorb web utility are shown below.

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Example #1

Sample composition: C12H22O11 (Sucrose)
Use default Absorb web utility values 0.41 Å, 0.4 mm, 0.6 packing fraction
Chemical Formula: C12H22O11 (theoretical density ~ 1.6 g/cm3)
Absorb web utility estimates μ = 0.08 cm-1
Total μ*r = 0.01

Comments: absorption is completely negligible, ignore. Note: samples with extremely low absorption may also be weakly scattering. In these cases, a larger diameter capillary may improve the counting statistics. Contact beamline staff if you have questions.

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Example #2

Sample composition: Co3O4
Use default Absorb web utility values 0.41 Å, 0.4 mm, 0.6 packing fraction
Chemical Formula: Co3O4 (theoretical density ~ 6.11 g/cm3)
Absorb web utility estimates μ = 20.95 cm-1 (estimated density ~ 5.7 g/cm3)
Total μ*r = 0.84

Comments: absorption is in normal range, μ*r less than 1.0 - no problem for this experiment

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Example #3

Sample composition: BaZr0.5Ti0.5O3
Use default Absorb web utility values 0.41 Å, 0.4 mm, 0.6 packing fraction
Chemical Formula: BaZr0.5Ti0.5O3 (theoretical density ~ ?? g/cm3)
Absorb web utility estimates μ = 47.54 cm-1 (estimated density ~ 8.468 g/cm3)
Total μ*r = 1.90

Comments: noticeable absorption, but can be used for analysis with an absorption correction term.

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Example #4

Sample composition: PbZrO3
Use default Absorb web utility values 0.41 Å, 0.4 mm, 0.6 packing fraction
Chemical Formula: PbZrO3 (theoretical density ~ 9.8 g/cm3) 
Absorb web utility estimates μ = 158.50 cm-1 (estimated density ~ 11.2 g/cm3)
Total μ*r = 6.34

Comments: absorption is too large (μ*r > 5.0), alternative sample preparations are needed (silica dilution etc).

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Example #5

Sample composition: Eu11Cd6Sb12
Use default Absorb web utility values 0.41 Å, 0.4 mm, 0.6 packing fraction
Chemical Formula: Eu11Cd6Sb12 (theoretical density ~ 9.8 g/cm3) 
Absorb web utility estimates μ = 191 cm-1 (estimated density ~ 21.8 g/cm3)
Total μ*r = 7.64

Comments: extreme absorption!, alternative sample preparations are needed such as dilution + smaller capillaries and/or a hollow coated capillary approach described above.

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