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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Wide-range X-ray scattering datasets and analyses for all samples described in the 2020 publication "Gold and silver dichroic nanocomposite in the quest for 3D printing the Lycurgus cup". These datasets are composed by combining multiple small-angle x-ray scattering and wide-angle x-ray scattering curves into a single dataset. They have been analyzed using McSAS to extract polydispersities and volume fractions. They have been collected using the MOUSE project (instrument and methodology).
A tool for merging and/or rebinning single or multiple datasets to achieve a lower point density with best possible statistics. highly scriptable, CLI, no GUI
Version 0.1: works but could do with a cleanup. Weighting by uncertainty currently always on, but should be optional for use as an azimuthal or radial averager
Compared to the clear, real-space images you can get from electron microscopy, X-ray scattering patterns are rather featureless. These patterns, however, contain structural information from all of the material structure illuminated by the X-ray beam. With this technique, you can measure nanoparticle dispersions, catalysts, composites, MOF powders, battery materials, light metal alloys and gels to reveal information on the structural features found within these materials. We have even measured many such materials for several research groups from the University of Birmingham, revealing structure features in the sub-nm to the micrometer range.
Measuring an X-ray scattering pattern is relatively easy, but measuring a high-quality, useful pattern requires significant effort and good laboratory organization. Such laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration) [1]. With the MOUSE, we have combined: a) a comprehensive and highly automated laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, within a well-documented, FAIR-compliant data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated synchrotron beamlines). With two full-time researchers, our lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples, for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
Introduction
A good laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration). In the MOUSE, we have combined: a) a comprehensive laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified, highly automated X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, with a well-documented data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated beamlines). With two full-time researchers, the lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
While these numbers do not light a candle to those achieved by our hardworking compatriots at the synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory approach does allow us to continually modify and fine-tune the integral methodology. So for the last three years, we have incorporated e.g. FAIR principles, traceability, automated processing, data curation strategies, as well as a host of good scattering practices into the MOUSE system. We have concomitantly expanded our purview as specialists to include an increased responsibility for the entire scattering aspect of the resultant publications. This ensures full exploitation of the data quality, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
Talk scope
This talk will present the MOUSE project as implemented to date, and will introduce foreseeable upgrades and changes. These upgrades include better pre-experiment sample scattering predictions to filter projects on the basis of their suitability, exploitation of the measurement database for detecting long-term changes and automated flagging of datasets, extending the measurement range through an Ultra-SAXS module, and enhancing MC fitting with sample scattering simulations for better matching of odd-shaped scatterers.
This is a set of drawings accompanying the submitted paper entitled "Extending Synchrotron SAXS instrument ranges through addition of a portable, inexpensive USAXS module with vertical rotation axes". The parts described herein will combine with commercial off-the-shelf components to build a high precision pair of rotation stages for accurate measurement of scattering angles with a sub-microradian precision.
Herein, we provide a "systems architecture"-like overview and detailed discussions of the methodological and instrumental components that, together, comprise the "MOUSE" project (Methodology Optimization for UltrafineStructure Exploration). The MOUSE project provides scattering information on a wide variety of samples, with traceable dimensions for both the scattering vector (q) and the absolute scattering cross-section (I). The measurable scattering vector-range of 0.012≤ q (nm-1) ≤ 92, allows information across a hierarchy of structures with dimensions ranging from ca. 0.1 to 400 nm. In addition to details that comprise the MOUSE project, such as the organisation and traceable aspects, several representative examples are provided to demonstrate its flexibility. These include measurements on alumina membranes, the tobacco mosaic virus, and dual-source information that overcomes fluorescence limitations on ZIF-8 and iron-oxide-containing carbon catalyst materials.
The SAXS platform at BAM
(2021)
The Meticulous Approach: Fully traceable X-ray scattering data via a comprehensive lab methodology
(2021)
To find out if experimental findings are real, you need to be able to repeat them. For a long time, however, papers and datasets could not necessarily include sufficient details to accurately repeat experiments, leading to a reproducibility crisis. It is here, that the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration) tries to implement change – at least for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS).
In the MOUSE project, we have combined: a) a comprehensive laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified, highly automated Xenocs Xeuss 2.0 instrumental component. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, with a well-documented data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated beamlines). With two full-time researchers, the lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
While these numbers do not light a candle to those achieved by our hardworking compatriots at the synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory approach does allow us to continually modify and fine-tune the integral methodology. So for the last three years, we have incorporated e.g. FAIR principles, traceability, automated processing, data curation strategies, as well as a host of good scattering practices into the MOUSE system. We have concomitantly expanded our purview as specialists to include an increased responsibility for the entire scattering aspect of the resultant publications, to ensure full exploitation of the data quality, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
This talk will discuss the MOUSE project1 as implemented to date, and will introduce foreseeable upgrades and changes. These upgrades include better pre-experiment sample scattering predictions to filter projects on the basis of their suitability, exploitation of the measurement database for detecting long-term changes and automated flagging of datasets, and enhancing MC fitting with sample scattering simulations for better matching of odd-shaped scatterers.
Today's speaker is a young scientist whose research on all aspects of small-angle scattering has taken him from his birthplace in Netherlands, to Denmark, Japan and now Germany. His research has led to a new method and software for scattering pattern analysis, a comprehensive set of data corrections together with the Diamond Light Source, and a new ultra-SAXS plug-in instrument.
For the last few years, he has been working on a comprehensive and universal methodology to get high-quality X-ray scattering measurements for any sample, using his new instrument at the institute. This instrument has now been heavily modified both in hardware and software, so that it can deliver better data.
These developments are always driven by interesting collaborations with materials researchers and other scientists. As a joint member he has published works on a wide variety of materials, including self-assembled structures in liquids, composite materials and porous carbon catalysts.
He has also been very active in outreach, for example by co-organizing an online lecture series called ‘#the Light Stuff’ on scattering and diffraction, running the ‘looking at nothing’ weblog, hosting a yearly introductory scattering course, and he has many scattering-related lectures available on YouTube.
Our distinguished speaker is Dr. Brian Richard Pauw from the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Germany. I proudly invite Dr. Pauw to begin his talk
Today's speaker is a young scientist whose research on all aspects of small-angle scattering has taken him from his birthplace in Netherlands, to Denmark, Japan and now Germany. His research has led to a new method and software for scattering pattern analysis, a comprehensive set of data corrections together with the Diamond Light Source, and a new ultra-SAXS plug-in instrument.
For the last few years, he has been working on a comprehensive and universal methodology to get high-quality X-ray scattering measurements for any sample, using his new instrument at the institute. This instrument has now been heavily modified both in hardware and software, so that it can deliver better data.
These developments are always driven by interesting collaborations with materials researchers and other scientists. As a joint member he has published works on a wide variety of materials, including self-assembled structures in liquids, composite materials and porous carbon catalysts.
He has also been very active in outreach, for example by co-organizing an online lecture series called ‘#the Light Stuff’ on scattering and diffraction, running the ‘looking at nothing’ weblog, hosting a yearly introductory scattering course, and he has many scattering-related lectures available on YouTube.
Our distinguished speaker is Dr. Brian Richard Pauw from the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Germany. I proudly invite Dr. Pauw to begin his talk.
A versatile software package in the form of a Python extension, named CDEF (computing Debye’s scattering formula for extraordinary form factors), is proposed to calculate approximate scattering profiles of arbitrarily shaped nanoparticles for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). CDEF generates a quasi-randomly distributed point cloud in the desired particle shape and then applies the open-source software DEBYER for efficient evaluation of Debye’s scattering formula to calculate the SAXS pattern (https://github.com/j-from-b/CDEF). If self-correlation of the scattering signal is not omitted, the quasi-random distribution provides faster convergence compared with a true-random distribution of the scatterers, especially at higher momentum transfer. The usage of the software is demonstrated for the evaluation of scattering data of Au nanocubes with rounded edges, which were measured at the four-crystal monochromator beamline of PTB at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II in Berlin. The implementation is fast enough to run on a single desktop computer and perform model fits within minutes. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by comparison with analytically known form factors and verified with another implementation, the SPONGE, based on a similar principle with fewer approximations. Additionally, the SPONGE coupled to McSAS3 allows one to retrieve information on the uncertainty of the size distribution using a Monte Carlo uncertainty estimation algorithm.
An extremely brief summary of what X-ray scattering can do for you (X-ray scattering encompasses small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS/XRD), amongst others). See my other videos for more detailed explanations on sample selection, data correction, data analysis, etc.
Measuring an X-ray scattering pattern is relatively easy, but measuring a steady stream of high-quality, useful patterns requires significant effort and good laboratory organization.
Such laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration).
With the MOUSE, we have combined a comprehensive and highly automated laboratory workflow with a heavily modified X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, within a well-documented, FAIR-compliant data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated synchrotron beamlines). With two full-time researchers, our lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples, for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
This talk will briefly introduce the foundations of X-ray scattering, present the MOUSE project, and will highlight the proven utility of the methodology for materials science. Upgrades to the methodology will also be discussed, as well as possible avenues for transferring this holistic methodology to other instruments
OpenSCAD, STL and technical drawings for the capillary flow-through cell designed primarily for use with The MOUSE instruments.
This flow-through cell can be used in conjunction with:
- Modular sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499416)
- Solid sample rack/plate (10.5281/zenodo.7499424)
- Laser-cut sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499437)
Technical drawings and documents for building a compact, heated, vacuum compatible flow-through sample holder. This holder is in use at the BAM MOUSE instrument as well as at the I22 beamline at the Diamond Light Source (see references for instrument details).
This holder has several features:
- The holder can be used in vacuum environments as well as in atmosphere
- It has two G 1/4" UNF fittings to attach HPLC tubing for (optionally) flowing a medium through the sample cell
- There are two additional (unflowed) sample positions for backgrounds and calibrants, held at the same temperature
- The low-mass design coupled with a 250W heating element can achieve heating rates of 1 degree C per second, when coupled (for example) with an Omron E5CC PID controller.
- The sample holder insert can be made from various materials depending on the application. Sealing the sample from the vacuum can be achieved using kapton, teflon or Magic tape, depending on the temperature requirements. The inlet and outlet holes will need to be punctured with a needle to enable flow.
- Large exit cones ensure a clear exit angle of at least 45 degrees two theta.
- It has been tested with temperatures up to 400 degrees C.
- Compression area has been raised and polished to ensure a good vacuum seal.
OpenSCAD, STL and technical drawings for the solid sample rack designed primarily for use with The MOUSE instruments.
This solid sample rack can be used in conjunction with:
- Laser-cut sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499437)
- Modular sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499416)
- Capillary flow-cell for liquid samples (10.5281/zenodo.7499421)
PDF file for the laser-cut sample holder designed primarily for use with The MOUSE instruments.
This sample holder can be used in conjunction with:
- Solid sample rack/plate (10.5281/zenodo.7499424)
- Modular sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499416)
- Capillary flow-cell for liquid samples (10.5281/zenodo.7499421)
Everything SAXS
(2019)
Experimenting on MAUS
(2019)
After a colleague sent me a more useful measurement from a laboratory instrument than what I could get from the beamline, I knew it was time to reassess my life's choices. Over the course of several subsequent post-doc and permanent positions around lab instruments, I managed to refine a flexible, comprehensive methodology for data collection, correction and analysis which can be applied to many X-ray scattering investigations at the lab and at the synchrotron. With the help of friends at round places, this methodology was implemented and put into production, and has been delivering high-quality data since then. Now, we have almost all possible data corrections (for X-ray scattering) implemented, and are improving the hardware to deliver higher-quality metadata to enable the corrections to be performed to a higher accuracy.
Simultaneously, we have set up a mini-large facility at BAM with the MAUS, the Multi-scale Analyzer for Ultrafine Structures. The MAUS combines the freedom of a laboratory instrument, with the spectrum of users of a beamline: besides measuring our own samples, and performing our own machine and methodology developments, we have opened this instrument for collaboration with fellow scientists from within BAM and from external institutes and universities. Here, we provide a comprehensive support for these collaborations, guiding the user from concept to sample selection, to interpretation and analysis. In 2019, we have supported over 30 different projects this way, leading to seven co-authored publications involving the MAUS in that year alone. As the MAUS uses the latest iteration of our comprehensive measurement methodology, the data quality is unmatched by any other lab instrument, and fully traceable to boot.
The freedom of the laboratory allows for more proof-of-principle experimentation than what is possible at the synchrotron. Therefore, the MAUS provides a good first (and sometimes final) step towards many experimental materials science investigations, nicely complementing the capabilities of the synchrotron. If and when more flux is needed, the step to the synchrotron is now smaller than ever, in particular with the same method
This dataset is a complete set of raw, processed and analyzed data, complete with Jupiter notebooks, associated with the manuscript mentioned in the title.
In the manuscript, we provide a "systems architecture"-like overview and detailed discussions of the methodological and instrumental components that, together, comprise the "MOUSE" project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration). Through this project, we aim to provide a comprehensive methodology for obtaining the highest quality X-ray scattering information (at small and wide angles) from measurements on materials science samples.
Dataset and Jupyter worksheet interpreting the (results from) small- and wide-angle scattering data from a series of boehmite/epoxy nanocomposites. Accompanies the publication "Competition of nanoparticle-induced mobilization and immobilization effects on segmental dynamics of an epoxy-based nanocomposite", by Paulina Szymoniak, Brian R. Pauw, Xintong Qu, and Andreas Schönhals.
Datasets are in three-column ascii (processed and azimuthally averaged data) from a Xenocs NanoInXider SW instrument. Monte-Carlo analyses were performed using McSAS 1.3.1, other analyses are in the Python 3.7 worksheet. Graphics and result tables are output by the worksheet.
This dataset is a complete set of raw, processed and analyzed data, associated with the manuscript mentioned in the title.
All associated metadata and processing history has been added. Particle size distribution analyses using McSAS are included as well.
The samples consisted of a 4.2 mass% dispersion of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles in a cross-linked matrix. The measurements show a good dispersion with minimal agglomeration. The wide-angle region shows diffraction information consistent with zirconia.
OpenSCAD, STL and technical drawings for the Modular sample holder designed primarily for use with The MOUSE instruments.
This modular sample holder can be used in conjunction with the following:
- Capillary flow-cell for liquid samples (10.5281/zenodo.7499421)
- Solid sample rack/plate (10.5281/zenodo.7499424)
- Laser-cut sample holder (10.5281/zenodo.7499437)
X-ray scattering datasets for samples described in the 2020 publication "Molecular Dynamics of Janus Polynorbornenes: Glass Transitions and Nanophase Separation". This dataset includes both raw and processed X-ray scattering data for samples PTCHSiO-Pr, Bu, Hx, Oc and De, alongside background measurements files (BKG). This data was collected using the MOUSE project (instrument and methodology).
X-ray scattering datasets for samples described in the 2022 publication "Molecular Mobility of Polynorbornenes with Trimethylsiloxysilyl side groups: Influence of the Polymerization Mechanism". This dataset includes both raw and processed X-ray scattering data for samples APTCN and MPTCN, alongside background measurements files (BKG).
X-ray scattering datasets for samples described in the 2022 publication "Side chain length dependent dynamics and conductivity in self assembled ion channels". This dataset includes both raw and processed X-ray scattering data for samples ILC8, ILC10, ILC12, ILC14 and ILC16 alongside background measurement files (BKG).
This talk introduces the expanded view that comes from wide-range X-ray scattering investigations.
Compared to X-ray diffraction studies alone, the additional angular range of this technique provides information on the larger structural dimensions present in your samples. This allows for the extraction of information on the size and size distribution of nanostructural components, such as nanoparticles, nanovoids, and any other structure exhibiting an electron density contrast.
The talk introduces the technique, the MOUSE instrument used for these investigations, and provides several real-world examples of its uses. The audience is invited to choose which examples captures their interest from a range of options, in the latter segment of the talk.
McSAS3
(2023)
McSAS3 is a refactored version of the original McSAS (see DOI 10.1107/S1600576715007347). This software fits scattering patterns to obtain size distributions without assumptions on the size distribution form. The refactored version has some neat features:
- Multiprocessing is included, spread out over as many cores as number of repetitions!
- Full state of the optimization is stored in an organized HDF5 state file.
- Histogramming is separate from optimization and a result can be re-histogrammed as many times as desired.
- SasModels allow a wide range of models to be used
- If SasModels does not work (e.g. because of gcc compiler issues on Windows or Mac), an internal sphere model is supplied
- Simulated data of the scattering of a special shape can also be used as a McSAS fitting model. Your models are infinite!
- 2D fitting also works.
This is a remote presentation I gave at the 2022 Small-angle Scattering conference in Campinas, Brazil. The video has been obtained from the conference organisers with their explicit permission for use on YouTube. I've tried to spruce up the audio from the remote recording the best I could.
The conference abstract for this talk was:
"How much do we, the small-angle scatterers, influence the results of an investigation? What uncertainty do we add by our human diversity in thoughts and approaches, and is this significant compared to the uncertainty from the instrumental measurement factors?
After our previous Round Robin on data collection, we know that many laboratories can collect reasonably consistent small-angle scattering data on easy samples[1]. To investigate the next, human component, we compiled four existing datasets from globular (roughly spherical) scatterers, each exhibiting a common complication, and asked the participants to apply their usual methods and toolset to the quantification of the results (https://lookingatnothing.com/index.ph....
Accompanying the datasets was a modicum of accompanying information to help with the interpretation of the data, similar to what we normally receive from our collaborators. More than 30 participants reported back with volume fractions, mean sizes and size distribution widths of the particle populations in the samples, as well as information on their self-assessed level of experience and years in the field.
While the Round Robin is still underway (until the 25th of April, 2022), the initial results already show significant spread in the results. Some of these are due to the variety in interpretation of the meaning of the requested parameters, as well as simple human errors, both of which are easy to correct for. Nevertheless, even after correcting for these differences in understanding, a significant spread remains. This highlights an urgent challenge to our community: how can we better help ourselves and our colleagues obtain more reliable results, how could we take the human factor out of the equation, so to speak?
In this talk, we will introduce the four datasets, their origins and challenges. Hot off the press, we will summarize the anonymized, quantified results of the Data Analysis Round Robin. (Incidentally, we will also see if a correlation exists between experience and proximity of the result to the median). Lastly, potential avenues for improving our field will be offered based on the findings, ranging from low-effort yet somehow controversial improvements, to high-effort foundational considerations."
In our (dramatically understaffed) X-ray scattering laboratory, developing a systematic, holistic methodology1 let us provide scattering and diffraction information for more than 2100 samples for 200+ projects led by 120+ collaborators over the last five years. Combined with universal, automat-ed data correction pipelines, as well as our analysis and simulation software, this led to more than 40 papers2 in the last 5 years with just over 2 full-time staff members.
While this approach greatly improved the consistency of the results, the consistency of the samples and sample series provided by the users was less reliable nor necessarily reproducible. To address this issue, we built an EPICS-controlled, modular synthesis platform to add to our laboratory. To date, this has prepared over 1200 additional (Metal-Organic Framework) samples for us to meas-ure, analyse and catalogue. By virtue of the automation, the synthesis of these samples is automat-ically documented in excruciating detail, preparing them for upload and exploitation in large-scale materials databases alongside the morphological results obtained from the automated X-ray scat-tering analysis.
Having developed these proof-of-concepts, we find that the consistency of results are greatly im-proved by virtue of their reproducibility, hopefully adding to the reliability of the scientific findings as well. Additionally, the nature of the experiments has changed greatly, with much more emphasis on preparation and careful planning. This talk will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this highly integrated approach and will touch upon upcoming developments.
An isotopic effect of normal (H2O) vs. heavy water (D2O) is well known to fundamentally affect structure and chemical properties of proteins, for instance. Here we correlate results from small angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS, SANS) with high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy to track the evolution of CdS nanoparticle size and crystallinity from aqeuous solution in presence of the organic ligand ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) at room temperature in both H2O and D2O. We provide evidence via SANS experiments that exchanging H2O by D2O impacts nanoparticle formation by changing the equilibria and dynamics of EDTA clusters in solution as investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance. The colloidal stability of the CdS nanoparticles, covered by a layer of [Cd(EDTA)]2- complexes, is significantly reduced in D2O despite the strong stabilizing effect of EDTA in suspensions of normal water. Hence, conclusions about nanoparticle formation mechanisms from D2O solutions can bare limited transferability to reactions in normal water due to isotopic effects, which thus need to be discussed for contrast match experiments.
While the synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) particles can be as easy as adding two solutions together, reproducibly obtaining the same particles, time and time again, is a lot harder. As laboratory-independent reproducibility is a cornerstone of the scientific method, we must put effort into finding and controlling all necessary parameters to achieve this.
An open-source Python/EPICS-controlled robotic platform (see picture) was adapted to systematically explore this for a 20 ml MOF synthesis of the Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 (ZIF-8) chemistry in methanol. Parameters that were explored included: 1) addition sequence, 2) addition speeds, 3) reaction times, 4) source chemicals, 5) stirring speeds, 6) stirring bar choice, 7) starting concentrations, and 8) workup methodologies. It was found that, by controlling these parameters, highly reproducible syntheses are obtained. Secondly, the variation of these parameters alone led to a dramatic difference in volume-weighted particle size means, which exceeds an order of magnitude as investigated by our in-house X-ray scattering instrument [1].
The syntheses are thoroughly documented in an automated fashion, and the synthesis libraries as well as analyses libraries will become available in batches soon. With this library, it will be possible to extract previously unknown correlations, and other laboratories can produce specific particles by following the exact procedures of the particles of their choice.
In this talk, the importance of metadata is underscored by real-world examples.
Metadata is essential to alleviating the reproducibility crises in science. This imples that a wide range of metadata must be collected, with a heavy emphasis on the automated collection of such metadata. This must subsequently be organized in an intelligible, archival structure, when possible with units and uncertainties.
Such metadata can aid in improving the usage efficiency of instrumentation, as is demonstrated on the MOUSE instrument. This metadata can now be used to connect the various aspects of the holistic experimental procedure to gain better insights on the materials structure.
A second example shows the extraction and organization of such metadata from an automated materials development platform, collected during the synthesis of 1200 samples. These metadata from the synthesis can then be linked to the results from the analysis of these samples, to find direct correlations between the synthesis parameters and the final structure of the materials.
We demonstrate a strategy for simulating wide-range X-ray scattering patterns, which spans the small- and wide scattering angles as well as the scattering angles typically used for Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis. Such simulated patterns can be used to test holistic analysis models, and, since the diffraction intensity is on the same scale as the scattering intensity, may offer a novel pathway for determining the degree of crystallinity.
The "Ultima Ratio" strategy is demonstrated on a 64-nm Metal Organic Framework (MOF) particle, calculated from Q < 0.01 1/nm up to Q < 150 1/nm, with a resolution of 0.16 Angstrom. The computations exploit a modified 3D Fast Fourier Transform (3D-FFT), whose modifications enable the transformations of matrices at least up to 8000^3 voxels in size. Multiple of these modified 3D-FFTs are combined to improve the low-Q behaviour. The resulting curve is compared to a wide-range scattering pattern measured on a polydisperse MOF powder. While computationally intensive, the approach is expected to be useful for simulating scattering from a wide range of realistic, complex structures, from (poly-)crystalline particles to hierarchical, multicomponent structures such as viruses and catalysts.
Hierarchically porous, high‐surface‐area silica materials are excellent candidates for multiple applications like catalysis and environmental remediation. Shaping these materials with additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, like robocasting, could enable their use with the benefit of on‐demand, customized shaping and maximizing performance. Herein, ordered mesoporous silica COK‐12 slurries were robocasted into monoliths, containing different ratios of uncalcined COK‐12 and sodium bentonite (0–25 wt.%). The rheology of the mixed slurries is characterized by lower flow indexes (0.69 vs. 0.32) and higher yield stresses (96 vs. 259 Pa) compared to pure COK‐12 ones. Monoliths were printed in woodpile structures and calcined at 600°C. Micro‐CT measurements showed a linear shrinkage of 25% after calcination. Mechanical characterization showed increased uniaxial strength (0.20 ± 0.07 to 1.0 ± 0.3 MPa) with increasing binder/solids ratio from 13 to 25%. The amorphous, mesoporous structure of COK‐12 was retained. The structures exhibited open porosities of 52 ± 4% and showed higher specific mesopore volumes, and increased average mesopore size (6 vs. 8 nm) compared to COK‐12. Small‐angle x‐ray scattering analysis revealed an increased lattice parameter (10.3 vs. 11.0 nm) and reduced wall thickness (3.1 nm vs. 4.1 nm) of the COK‐12 in the monoliths. These properties indicate suitability for their application as porous supports and adsorbents.
Glimpses of the Future ✨: Advancing X-ray Scattering in an Automated Materials Research Laboratory
(2023)
In our (dramatically understaffed) X-ray scattering laboratory, developing a systematic, holistic methodology1 let us provide scattering and diffraction information for more than 2100 samples for 200+ projects led by 120+ collaborators. Combined with automated data correction pipelines, and our analysis and simulation software, this led to more than 40 papers2 in the last 5 years with just over 2 full-time staff members.
This year, our new, modular synthesis platform has made more than 1000 additional samples for us to analyse and catalogue. By virtue of the automation, the synthesis of these samples is automatically documented in excruciating detail, preparing them for upload and exploitation in large-scale materials databases. Having developed these proof-of-concepts, we find that materials research itself is changed dramatically by automating dull tasks in a laboratory.
This talk is intended to spark ideas and invite collaborations by providing an overview of: 1) the current improvements in our wide-range X-ray scattering laboratory methodology, 2) Introduce some of our open-source analysis and simulation software, touching on scattering, diffraction and PDF, and 3) introducing our open, modular robotic platform for systematic sample preparation. Finally, the remaining bottlenecks and points of attention across all three are highlighted.
In our (dramatically understaffed) X-ray scattering laboratory, developing a systematic, holistic methodology let us provide scattering and diffraction information for more than 2100 samples for 200+ projects led by 120+ collaborators. Combined with automated data correction pipelines, and our analysis and simulation software, this led to more than 40 papers in the last 5 years with just over 2 full-time staff members.
This year, our new, modular synthesis platform has made more than 1000 additional samples for us to analyse and catalogue. By virtue of the automation, the synthesis of these samples is automatically documented in excruciating detail, preparing them for upload and exploitation in large-scale materials databases.
This talk is intended to spark ideas and invite collaborations by providing an overview of: 1) the current improvements in our wide-range X-ray scattering laboratory methodology, and 2) introducing our open, modular robotic platform for systematic sample preparation.
This talk for the Swiss Society for Crystallography (SSCr) workshop on SAXS will introduce scattering from various angles, focusing in particular on:
- Information content of X-ray scattering experiments, three entry points…
- An introduction to Fourier Transforms
- Sample criteria, compatibility, and selection
- Key indicators of a measurement – where is the information?
- Key indicators of measurement quality
- Experiment planning, the basics
The second talk for the Swiss Society for Crystallography (SSCr) workshop on SAXS will highlight the data processing challenges, holistic experimental workflow developments, and the pitfalls. In particular, the following items will be addressed:
- The importance of data processing and estimating uncertainty
- A universal correction pipeline – away with the headaches, at least for this step!
- Experiment planning part 2, some tips and advice to improve your corrected data.
- Sample preparation, background selection, some tips and advice to improve your corrected data.
- Automate for your mental well-being; electronic logbooks, measurement catalogs and workflow management software
- Life on the edge: several pitfalls to avoid…
Ultra-SAXS can enhance the capabilities of existing synchrotron SAXS/WAXS beamlines. A compact ultra-SAXS module has been developed, which extends the measurable q-range with 0.0015 ≤ q (nm−1) ≤ 0.2, allowing structural dimensions in the range 30 ≤ D (nm) ≤ 4000 to be probed in addition to the range covered by a high-end SAXS/WAXS instrument. By shifting the module components in and out on their respective motor stages, SAXS/WAXS measurements can be easily and rapidly interleaved with USAXS measurements. The use of vertical crystal rotation axes (horizontal diffraction) greatly simplifies the construction, at minimal cost to efficiency. In this paper, the design considerations, realization and synchrotron findings are presented. Measurements of silica spheres, an alumina membrane, and a porous carbon catalyst are provided as application examples.
A Round Robin study has been carried out to estimate the impact of the human element in small-angle scattering data analysis. Four corrected datasets were provided to participants ready for analysis. All datasets were measured on samples containing spherical scatterers, with two datasets in dilute dispersions, and two from powders.
Most of the 46 participants correctly identified the number of populations in the dilute dispersions, with half of the population mean entries within 1.5 % and half of the population width entries within 40 %, respectively. Due to the added complexity of the structure factor, much fewer people submitted answers on the powder datasets.
For those that did, half of the entries for the means and widths were within 44 % and 86 % respectively. This Round Robin experiment highlights several causes for the discrepancies, for which solutions are proposed.