X-ray design constraints for in situ electrochemical cells: importance of window material, electrolyte and X-ray wavelength

The need to calculate X-ray absorption losses through window materials and electrolytes in electrochemical cells used for in situ X-ray studies is highlighted. Calculations of the loss of beam intensity through Mylar windows of various thicknesses and at different wavelengths are carried out. Other window materials, such as polyethylene, polyimide (Kapton), polymethylmethacrylate (Perspex), polycarbonate (Lexan) and polyamide (Kevlar), are considered. Linear absorption coefficients and loss of intensity through different thicknesses of these materials at the Cu Kα wavelength are considered. Calculations of loss of intensity for a typical experimental case involving a Mylar cell window and a 1.029 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte are presented.