About Us
The X-ray diffraction suite located at the University of Warwick is a Research Technology Platform (RTP) that provides state-of-the-art X-ray scattering services primarily focused on materials research. The facility is led by Professor Richard Walton, the academic director, and Dr David Walker, the facility manager, with the support of our SAXS specialist, Dr Steven Huband, our Electron Diffraction expert, Dr Jere Tidey, and Dr Jie Liu. The suite was established by Professor Pam Thomas and boasts a team of highly knowledgeable individuals with multi-disciplinary expertise.
The facility is unique in having 14 instruments covering a broad range of X-ray scattering techniques all centerally located under one roof. These techniques include powder and single-crystal XRD, high-resolution XRD of semiconductors, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Most recently, we have installed a dedicated electron diffractometer, the first of its kind in the UK as part of a UKRI/EPSRC funded project to deliver a national facility for structural solution via electron diffraction. This represents an exciting new chapter in the developent of the facility.
For further information or inquiries regarding the utilization of these X-ray facilities for industrial purposes, please contact the facilities manager, Dr David Walker, or visit the Warwick Scientific Services website.
Professor Richard WaltonLink opens in a new window
Richard is the Director of the Warwick X-ray Diffraction RTP and Professor of Chemistry. His research interests are in solid-state chemistry, spanning the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic materials including porous materials, transition-metal oxides and metal-organic frameworks, and industrial applications in heterogeneous catalysis and energy via various collaborations.
Dr David WalkerLink opens in a new window
David Walker is the facility manager for the X-ray Diffraction RTP. He has over 20 years’ experience in X-ray scattering techniques with a background in crystallography and ferroelectric materials. David has managed the X-ray diffraction equipment at Warwick since 2008.
Dr Steven HubandLink opens in a new window
Steve is a Research Technical Professional with expertise in Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS).
Dr Jie LiuLink opens in a new window
Jie is a Research Technical Professional with expertise in Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and thin-film measurements. She has extensive experience in the structural study of new compounds, the relationship between physical properties and crystal structures, and selective crystallization and phase transition of polymorphs.
Dr Jeremiah TideyLink opens in a new window
Jere is a Research Technical Professional with experties in electron diffraction/3DED, both locally and as part of the National Electron Diffraction Facility. He has over a decade of experience in crystallographic research, including single-crystal high-pressure and charge density studies on molecular systems, investigations of intrinsic phase coexistence, and symmetry-adapted Rietveld refinements for powders of highly-correlated metal oxides. His broader interests are in crystallographic studies toward structure-property relationships.
Dr Chris WaldronLink opens in a new window
In his role as Technical Support Specialist (Analytical Techniques), Chris provides cross-platform support to the X-ray Diffraction RTP by coordinating research projects and carrying out experimental work, in particular as our XRF specialist.