Molecular Metrology (MOLMET)

MOLMET is equipped with a microfocus X-ray source with Cu radiation and a 2dimentional Xenon gaseous detector (Rigaku). An extra arm with possibility to mount the image plate at the short sample to detector distance enables the simultaneous SAXS and WAXS measurements. The instrument uses a photo diode at the position of direct beam to enable recording transmission from samples.

Application:

  • Polymers, particles and proteins in solution
  • Polymer films, membranes and fabrics
  • Mesoporous powders
  • Gels, self-assemblies and liquid crystalline materials
  • Nanoscale coated surfaces

Structural parameters:

  • Particles/proteins size, shape and interactions in solution
  • Characterisation of nano-domains and chain configuration in polymer systems
  • Porosity and internal morphology
  • Structures in lipid/peptide self-assemblies
  • Coated layer thicknesses and structure of molecular assemblies on the surfaces

Techniques:

  • Operation in transmission mode (SAXS) and reflection mode (GISAXS)
  • Possibility for simultaneous SAXS and WAXS studies
  • Temperature scans (-20 to 150 °C)
  • In situ-tensile studies
  • Microfluidics-SAXS
  • Correlation studies

Working principle:

We collaborate in the frame of national and international projects and support research inside and outside Empa based on mutual agreement and interest.

Contact:          tbd (St. Gallen), antonia.neels@empa.ch (Dübendorf)

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Prof. Dr. Antonia Neels

Prof. Dr. Antonia Neels
Head of the Center for X-ray Analytics

Phone: +41 58 765 4507