A flow cell for the study of gas-solid reactions via in situ powder X-ray diffraction

This paper describes the development and testing of a novel capillary flow cell for use in in situ powder X-ray diffraction experiments. It is designed such that it achieves 200° of rotation of the capillary whilst still allowing the flow of gas through the sample and the monitoring of off gas via mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, or other such analytical techniques. This high degree of rotation provides more uniform heating of the sample than can be achieved in static cells or those with lower rotational ranges and consequently also improves particle statistics. The increased uniformity of heating provides more accurate temperature calibration of the experimental setup as well. The cell is designed to be held in a standard goniometer head and is therefore suitable for use in many laboratory and synchrotron instruments.