Helena Shepherd and her research team conducted high-pressure single-crystal diffraction experiments at the Diamond Light Source, following the successful acceptance of their beamtime proposal.
Across two intensive days on the I19 beamline (Small Molecule Single Crystal Diffraction), the team used diamond anvil cells to compress crystalline samples and collect high-resolution diffraction data under well-defined pressure conditions. This approach allows researchers to probe structural changes, phase transitions, and intermolecular contacts that are not accessible at ambient pressure.
Access to I19 enabled precise measurements across multiple pressure points, generating a robust dataset for subsequent crystallographic refinement and comparison with room-pressure structures. The work forms part of the group’s broader programme in crystal engineering and solid-state chemistry, aimed at establishing reliable structure–pressure relationships in functional molecular materials.
This successful visit underlines SISC’s engagement with national large-scale research facilities and the group’s continued use of advanced crystallographic methods to address challenging chemical questions.
Learn more about the I19 beamline at Diamond Light Source.