Single crystal X-ray diffractometer

A new state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer will be purchased for the University of Leicester to upgrade an existing XRD facility located within the School of Chemistry. X-Ray crystallography is one the most important instrumental techniques employed in the modern chemical sciences. The application of X-ray diffraction to the analysis of crystalline materials can reveal the fundamental structural features of molecules, providing snapshots that are vital for a plethora of disciplines across chemistry and materials science. As a testament to its vital role in chemical research, structural data obtained with X-ray diffractometers is often the stepping stone to the development of new reagents of great importance for the chemical industry. It can also furnish the final and irrefutable proof in the identification of new drugs. This state-of-the-art XRD equipment is capable of collecting data from miniscule crystals which simply could have not been measured prior to the development of modern diffractometers.

The multi-user X-ray equipment funded through this proposal will enhance research capabilities at the University of Leicester and support a range of research activities, including the preparation of catalysts for sustainable and green chemistry, the development of new energy materials, and the identification of new drugs employed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. It will enable advances in fundamental understanding of the structure and functionality of materials and will support key EPSRC themes including Energy, Healthcare technologies, Manufacturing the future and Physical Sciences, complementing existing interdisciplinary capabilities and infrastructure at the University of Leicester. Research will be supported in a number of applications including the discovery of new drugs and inorganic species linked to medicine, catalysis, forensic science and the development of advanced alloys and materials.