Small angle X-ray transmission characterisation of nanometer-sized Pt-clusters in a ceramic thin film on metal substrate

Nanometer-sized platinum embedded in a ceramic matrix on metal substrate was investigated by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The influence of heat treatment on cluster size was also studied with the same method. Although the sample was as thick as 0.25 mm the measurement could be carried out successfully in transmission mode with a slit-collimation based SAXS camera and a conventional X-ray tube. The influences of sample geometry on experimental data were corrected numerically; the algorithm used is described in detail. Assuming spherical geometry of the platinum clusters, and that the overall system is monodisperse and diluted, the characteristic radius obeys the Guinier approximation. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)