What is XRD used for?
XRD, or X-ray Diffraction, is a non-destructive technique for material characterization, widely used in fields such as materials science, chemistry, mineralogy, and biology. When a beam of X-rays are directed at a sample, materials produce specific diffraction patterns that can be used to determine information such as the sample's crystal structure, phase composition, grain size, and stress state.
The Role Of Liquid Nitrogen in XRD Applications
Some materials exhibit different crystal structures or phase transition behaviors at low temperatures. Low-temperature X-ray diffraction (LT-XRD) uses liquid nitrogen ( at -196°C ) to provide a stable, ultra-low temperature environment for studying the thermodynamic properties of these materials. For heat-sensitive or easily oxidised samples, liquid nitrogen cooling can reduce diffraction peak broadening caused by thermal vibrations and improve data resolution. Some XRD detectors also require liquid nitrogen cooling to reduce thermal noise and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Cryo-XRD Applications
Cryogenic X-ray diffraction (cryo-XRD, a specific type of LT-XRD) is a specialized technique where samples are flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen to enable high-resolution analysis. By immobilizing the sample's structure at low temperatures, cryo-XRD minimizes thermal motion and prevents radiation-induced damage from the powerful X-ray beam, making it invaluable for sensitive specimens.
This technique is commonly used in:
- macromolecular crystallography for determining the structure of proteins,
- cryogenic microscopy, used for the imaging of biological and other specimen with high structural preservation,
- low-temperature battery research, to analyze the structural changes that occur in battery components, such as electrode materials, during charging and discharging at low temperatures,
- nanomaterials, to analyze the their properties including crystallite size and structure. The diffraction pattern acts like a unique "fingerprint" for a specific crystal structure.
The Benefits of On-Site Generation for XRD Applications
Traditionally, bulk deliveries have been the standard solution to get liquid nitrogen delivered. Replacing this with an on-site solution in the form of a liquid nitrogen generator enables safer and more resilient operations for XRD research.
Reliable supply
Producing liquid nitrogen directly from ambient air provides autonomy and eliminates boil-off losses that occur during transport and decanting. This makes generators ideal for urban environments where frequent deliveries can be challenging. They also safeguard operations against supply chain disruptions, sudden demand spikes, or unforeseen events that could lead to downtime.
Safety
For high-rise facilities, transporting bulk liquid nitrogen through hallways, elevators, and confined spaces poses significant risks, as nitrogen gas can displace oxygen without proper precautions. On-site generators equipped with built-in safety features and intelligent real-time monitoring protect operators, removing the need for bulk transfers and reducing hazards.
Sustainability
Producing liquid nitrogen on-site eliminates the need for cryogenic tanker deliveries, thereby reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transport.
Why Choose a Noblegen Liquid Nitrogen Generator?
Noblegen produces some of the most intuitive and user-friendly generators on the market, featuring a simple plug-and-play design. Supporting a wide range of applications in laboratories, research institutes, universities, and hospitals worldwide, Noblegen generators are compact, energy-efficient, and deliver a dependable output, saving time and money by reducing the need for frequent deliveries.
The single-cabinet Triton models are ideal for lower flow rate applications. The Triton LN10 F produces 10 liters per day and is uniquely designed with a front flask dispenser, allowing safe and convenient dispensing of small flask volumes of liquid nitrogen.
For higher demands, the dual-cabinet Callisto range offers robust output, with models like the Callisto LN60 featuring an internal storage tank of 210 liters— easily replacing large delivery volumes. These systems are perfect for XRD applications requiring frequent and higher volumes of liquid nitrogen.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact us:
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