A simple and robust high-pressure cell for transmission X-ray investigation

A simple and robust high-pressure cell designed for in situ transmission X-ray crystallization studies is presented. The performance of the cell for in situ small/wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments and microscopy imaging is demonstrated for zeolite crystallization from highly alkaline hydrated silicate ionic liquids at 500 K and 150 bar N₂ pressure. The simple design in combination with commercial finger-tight connections allows for convenient sample loading of powders, liquids and gases. The cell can be used in dead-end or flow-through mode and can be pressurized with gases or liquids via standard high-performance liquid chromatography capillary tubing. The capillaries are easily cleaned or replaced. The wetted parts are polyether ether ketone and sapphire, which are resistant to many corrosive substances, thus enabling in situ characterization under challenging conditions.