Solids: Characterization by Powder Diffraction

Abstract

This review article covers developments in X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction with an emphasis on the complementary nature of these two condensed matter probes. After a brief overview of the basics of X‐ray and neutron scattering, examples of “mesoscopic” structure investigations (i.e., particle size, strain) are followed by a state‐of‐the‐art combined neutron, X‐ray high‐resolution, and scanning transmission electron microscopy powder diffraction study of a compositionally and structurally complex metal oxide catalyst. Neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction studies in magnetic fields are highlighted and the utility of the total scattering approach using pair‐distribution function ( PDF ) analysis within the context of “nanocrystallography” is discussed. Examples of high‐pressure crystallography using X‐ray and neutrons are given. A short outlook considers future directions in light of the emergence of new X‐ray and neutron sources and the in situ revolution in electron microscopy.