Structural study on Ni nanowires in an anodic alumina membrane by using in situ heating extended x-ray absorption fine structure and x-ray diffraction techniques

Thermal Stability of Nano-Crystalline Nickel Electrodeposited into Porous Alumina

Through-pores alumina membranes of 50 μm thickness and 70 × 70 mm size have been fabricated to deposit Ni nanowires by electrochemical processing. Due to highly ordered microstructure of the membranes, the pores were filled by nanowires almost to 100%. The membrane nanowires composite morphology, structure and thermodynamic characteristics have been studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The thermal stability of Ni nanowires into porous alumina template and whole composite was determined.

A furnace to 1200 K for in situ heating x-ray diffraction, small angle x-ray scattering, and x-ray absorption fine structure experiments

A furnace with a water-cooled outside shell has been assembled to do in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) experiments. The details of the furnace are described in this paper. The in situ XRD, SAXS, and XAFS experiments during the heating process demonstrate that the available temperature range of this furnace is from room temperature to 1200 K with a temperature accuracy of +/-0.1 K. By using this furnace, in situ XRD, SAXS, and XAFS experimental techniques with temperature change can be easily combined together.