A new x-ray interface and surface scattering environmental cell design for in situ studies of radioactive and atmosphere-sensitive samples

We present a novel design of a purpose-built, portable sample cell for in situ x-ray scattering experiments of radioactive or atmosphere sensitive samples. The cell has a modular design that includes two independent layers of containment that are used simultaneously to isolate the sensitive samples. Both layers of containment can be flushed with an inert gas, thus serving a double purpose as containment of radiological material (either as a solid sample or as a liquid phase) and in separating reactive samples from the ambient atmosphere. A remote controlled solution flow system is integrated into the containment system that allows sorption experiments to be performed on the diffractometer. The cell's design is discussed in detail and we demonstrate the cell's performance by presenting first results of crystal truncation rod measurements. The results were obtained from muscovite mica single crystals reacted with 1 mM solutions of Th-IV with 0.1 M NaCl background electrolyte. Data were obtained in specular as well as off-specular geometry. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3605484]