Dynamic neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction methods in the study of chemical processes

Abstract

The usefulness of in-situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction methods is stressed presenting the current possibilities, limitations and potential of these techniques in the study of chemical processes. The opportunity of following the evolution of a chemical phenomenon as a function of an external or internal parameter provides direct information about transformations occurring in the sample during the chemical reaction, thus largely contributing to greater understanding of the complexity of the process. This article intends to reflect the state of the art and its recent impact in materials chemistry with the aim of stimulating further work on this particularly creative and promising field of research. Some parameters optimizing the choice between neutron and synchrotron radiation are also discussed through a number of selected experiments.