XRD with the New D6 PHASER AUTOLOADER

The D6 PHASER AUTOLOADER is not just another benchtop X-ray diffractometer (XRD). It streamlines your workflow, enhances product and operator safety, and maximizes efficiency. The AUTOLOADER provides consistency in sample preparation, measurement consistency, and results consistency for automated powder diffraction.

This state-of-the-art solution is the answer for quality control engineers and laboratory managers who demand the highest standards of product consistency and quality, whether it's for construction materials or pharmaceuticals. Automatic benchtop XRD systems control production processes, saving energy and consumables while increasing process yield. Typical examples can be found in the cement industry, as well as in the beneficiation of ores and the production of metals. In terms of materials innovation, it's the ideal tool for big data initiatives, research into new energy storage materials, or the search for new formulations in the pharmaceutical industry. Its fast and reliable measurements make it the perfect choice.

The new XRD device is the result of a marriage between the well-established powder diffraction capabilities of the D6 PHASER, and the operational convenience and consistency of the new AUTOLOADER.

It uses industry-standard-sized specimen rings. This ensures sample preparation consistency through compatibility with automated powder milling and pressing devices. The AUTOLOADER can be operated manually, or samples can be provided via a conveyor belt. Up to five magazine positions allow for the automation of loading and unloading of samples, while also storing reference samples for instrument or process analytics qualification. A manual loading position allows for the quick introduction of priority samples, while pre-loading of the process samples makes the most of the instrument's up-time, and shortens sample turnaround.

The new device is fully integrated with our DIFFRAC.SUITE software, offering unparalleled automation in XRD sample handling, measurement, data evaluation, and results reporting. The system is simple to operate. It can be run in single-click push-button mode, or integrated into an online, autonomous laboratory environment.

Our automated XRD applications span the full range, from positive materials identification, to degree-of-crystallinity, to phase composition of crystalline and amorphous materials, crystallite size, lattice parameters, and more. Our EVA, DQUANT, and TOPAS software is your analytical solution. With pattern matching, calibrations, partial least squares regression, semi-quantitative, and Rietveld-based methods at its core, it keeps your analytical needs covered at any time, without the need for extended operator training.

We are excited to bring this innovation to you and to explore the future of automated XRD together!

Batteries in Electric Vehicles (EV) are responsible for a major part of the car manufacturing costs. Within the batteries, the Cathode Active Material (CAM) is the most significant cost driver, making process control and optimization important tasks for a cost-effective production.

There are several types of batteries often differentiated by their CAM. Lithium-ion NMC batteries, for example, are frequently used in EVs and portable electronics. Their CAM consists of Lithium (Li), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and Cobalt (Co). The sub-types, such as NMC 333, 632, and 811, indicate the Ni:Mn:Co molar ratio. The different NMC ratios affect the performance, costs, cycle life, and safety of the battery.

Depending on the production process, different contaminations e.g., due to raw material impurities or incomplete solvent recovery, may affect the CAM purity and thus the cell quality and safety. Typical contaminants include Sodium (Na), Aluminum (Al), Sulfur (S), Chromium (Cr) and Iron (Fe).

Lab Report 181 highlights the use cases of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) along the CAM production chain and shows the performance of the S2 PUMA Series 2 Energy-Dispersive XRF (EDXRF) spectrometer for liquid NMC precursor quality control.

As the battery industry expands production and recycling efforts, improving performance and reducing costs becomes crucial. X-ray analytical techniques like X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and X-Ray Microscopy (XRM) play a vital role throughout the battery life cycle. They facilitate the development of new cells and components, ensure quality control during manufacturing, and streamline the recycling process. These techniques are essential for optimizing battery performance, enhancing sustainability, and meeting the evolving demands of the energy landscapes.

On June 25^th Bruker hosted an interactive online seminar about benefits and use cases of X-ray technologies in battery manufacturing and recycling. Did you miss the show? Get access to the recording, slides, and more.

Adding Lead (Pb) to gasoline seemed to be a great enhancement, when first discovered in the 1920s. Early concerns about environmental and health safety began shortly after. A long and, in the end, heated battle between the governmental institutions and the strong industrial lobby followed, until the Clean Air Act was passed as one of the first measures for environmental protection. Soon after, unleaded gasoline was available and catalytic converters were adjusted to the new standard. Finally, in 1996, Pb in gasoline was banned in the US and is now absent from common fuel in most of the world.

Some aviation and specialty fuels however still use Pb and need to report the concentrations. Additionally, it sometimes is required to test for Pb in gasoline to make sure it is below the regulated limits. The ASTM D5059 describes how to measure high (0 - 5 g Pb / US gal) and low (0 - 0.30 g Pb / US gal) levels of Pb in gasoline with XRF spectrometry using Bi as an internal standard.

For this article in PETRO Industry News, an S6 JAGUAR WDXRF spectrometer equipped with Bruker’s 400 W HighSense™ X-ray tube was used for gasoline analyses according to ASTM D5059. The report demonstrates that the S6 JAGUAR is reliable for analysis of Pb in fuels. The system easily fulfils the requirements for the WDXRF norm ASTM D5059 method A and C. Also, the WDXRF spectrometer brings several advantages to your lab, when compared to AAS and ICP-OES, including lower costs of operation and minimal calibration effort.

The S6 JAGUAR enables time-efficient and accurate monitoring of additives, contaminants, and wear metals in fuels, lubricating and engine oils. When installed at refineries and oil-production plants, it can easily test the quality of incoming materials and optimize the used additives from day one. It ensures that all elements in fuels are analyzed at best performance with highest accuracy and precision combined with low cost of ownership.

XRF is a widely used analytical technology for the determination of elemental concentrations in various sample types, including liquids, powders, granules, and solids. Even though XRF sample preparation is relatively fast and simple, doing it right is pivotal for successful XRF analyses. By choosing the appropriate preparation approach and following certain steps, you can save time and money while ensuring the necessary data quality.

Join us on September 12^th for a free online seminar, XRF Unveiled: Mastering the Art of Sample Preparation. Our presenters will explain sample preparation techniques for all sample types and materials, including petrochemicals, polymers, minerals, cement, RoHS (small spot), defects (elemental mapping), and more.

Register for session 1: 9:00 AM CEST (Berlin) / 4:00 PM KST (Seoul)

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Register for session 2: 4:00 PM CEST (Berlin) / 9:00 AM CDT (Chicago)

If you cannot attend live, be sure to register for a session anyway, and we'll send you the recording to watch at your convenience. Sign up soon for your preferred time slot!

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