Titanium sample holder for small-angle x-ray scattering measurements of supercritical aqueous solutions

Abstract

A titanium high-temperature sample holder for small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was newly constructed. It is applicable to aqueous solutions in the supercritical state up to 750 K and 50 MPa. The use of high-tension titanium for assemblies and high-purity titanium for gaskets enables us to apply the holder to fluids in extreme conditions such as supercritical water, supercritical aqueous solutions, and other corrosive hydrothermal aqueous solutions. Details are presented for the diamond window sealed by a flange set made of titanium. The seal is superior to the conventional unsupported-area-seal by a screw cap and plug for the titanium high-temperature sample holder. As a test of the instrument, the SAXS experiments for supercritical water were made at the isothermal condition of T=662 K with pressures from 22.8 to 29.3 MPa. The first SAXS measurements for supercritical aqueous solution were also carried out.