The X-ray Laboratory of Rigaku Corporation, a Rigaku Holdings Group company and a global solution partner for X-ray analysis has developed the Total X-ray Scattering and RMC Modeling Method (TXS-RMC). Primarily, TXS-RMC is a powerful technology that clarifies the atomic-scale 3D structure of amorphous carbon¹.

Particularly, TXS-RMC facilitates the deeper understanding of the structure and function of amorphous materials as well as crystalline materials. It is also expected to contribute to improved performance in battery devices. Moreover, it will accelerate the development of advanced functional materials for the transmission of gases, fluids, and electricity.

Previously, the atomic-scale structure of amorphous materials could only be handled qualitatively, or predicted/estimated using molecular dynamics (MD). This time, the use of the 3D structural visualization technology of TXS-RMC enables accurate information to be obtained. Expected applications include advancement of understanding of physical properties and prediction of features in connection with the atomic-scale structures.

Further, TXS-RMC is a technology that responds to strong demand in the development of advanced functional materials for ways of determining whether a given material possesses intended structure, properties or characteristics. Another major breakthrough with TXS-RMC is its broadening of the range of materials to which X-ray analysis of atomic-scale structure can be applied. This encompasses not only crystals but also amorphous materials.

A paper on TXS-RMC was published in the October 25, 2024 edition of Scientific Reports: “Local structure of Amorphous carbon investigated by X-ray total scattering and RMC modeling” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-76796-x.

¹: “Amorphous” is defined as, of a material, possessing an irregular arrangement of atoms or molecules, rather than a regular arrangement as in the case of a crystal.

-15 November 2024-