In situ X-ray ptychography imaging of high-temperature CO2 acceptor particle agglomerates

Imaging nanoparticles under relevant reaction conditions of high temperature and gas pressure is difficult because conventional imaging techniques, like transmission electron microscopy, cannot be used. Here we demonstrate that the coherent diffractive imaging technique of X-ray ptychography can be used for in situ phase contrast imaging in structure studies at atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures. Lithium zirconate, a candidate CO2 capture material, was studied at a pressure of one atmosphere in air and in CO2, at temperatures exceeding 600 degrees C. Images with a spatial resolution better than 200 nm were retrieved, and possibilities for improving the experiment are described. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.