
Dr. Chris Smalley
MRSC
X-ray Division, Sales Specialist, Bruker AXS
Dr. Chris initially obtained his BSc degree in Chemistry from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, graduating with First Class honours. From there he moved to Cardiff University where he undertook his PhD in Crystal Structure Determination from Powder X-ray Diffraction Data. In this project he focused primarily on the use of PXRD data for solving novel crystal structures, whilst augmenting this process with other structural techniques such as solid-state NMR, TGA and 3D electron diffraction, as well as theoretical techniques such as periodic DFT and structure prediction calculations.
His main research interests were in molecular organic materials, particularly pharmaceutical and organic minerals with biological significance. This included the solution and publication of the crystal structure of riboflavin, which was a strong challenge in the crystallography field for many years.
Since then, Chris moved to Bruker AXS where he is a Specialist in X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence techniques within the UK market and also with overseas clients.
Presentation:
Exploring Unknown Powders: A Live Demonstration Using X-ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Techniques
This presentation will involve the live phase identification, and subsequent quantitative analysis, of unknown materials within powder mixtures using benchtop XRD and XRF technology. This will demonstrate the speed, accuracy and synergistic approaches to characterisation of unknown powders in modern lab-based instruments. The workflow of data collection, processing and rapid analysis will be featured, including determination of specific parameters such as crystallite size.