In: Physics
Using powder X-ray diffraction to analyse a metal compound, a simple pattern of peaks resulted, where the largest peak existed at an angle of 2θ= 19.8°. However, when a similar sample was analysed that contained a metallic impurity, this 2θ value became 22.4°. What does this suggest is happening to the crystal lattice and why?
According to Bragg diffraction condition ()
we know that diffraction angle
and inter-planer spacing
are inversely related with each other
.
Therefore in the preset case, the increase in diffraction angle
from
to
is associated with the decrease in the inter-planer spacing d.
Therefore, with the incorporation of metallic impurity in the
sample, d value decreases. The decrease in d value is associated
with the compressive strain in the lattice. In other words,
metallic impurities distort the original crystal structure of the
lattice by varying bond lengths, bond angles etc. and hence,
changes the lattice parameter. Such distortion arises due to the
random incorporation of the metallic impurities in the lattice.