Neutron Diffraction for Structural Characterisation of Inorganic Materials

This chapter introduces the neutron by summarising its particle- and wave-like characteristics and describes how neutrons are made by reactor and spallation sources. The focus then turns to neutron diffraction, which is compared with other diffraction methods. Diffraction using constant-wavelength, and time-of-flight neutrons, and with single crystals and powder samples are explored, with inorganic materials chemistry examples given to illustrate key concepts. The possibilities for in situ and operando neutron diffraction are highlighted and methods for data analysis are discussed. Together, this material will help students propose and prepare for neutron diffraction experiments that we hope will further their inorganic materials chemistry research.