Multiscale Reciprocal Space Mapping of Magnetite Mesocrystals.

Mesocrystals are the class of nanostructured material, where multiple-length-scale structure is a prerequisite of many interesting phenomena. Resolving the mesocrystal structure is quite challenging due to their structuration on different length scales. The combination of SAXS and WAXS (small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering) techniques offers the possibility to non-destructively probe mesocrystalline structures simultaneously over multiple length scales to reveal their microscopic structure. This work describes how high dynamical range of modern detectors sheds light on the weak features of scattering, significantly increasing the information content. We describe the detailed analysis of X-ray diffraction from the magnetite mesocrystals with different particle size and shapes - in tandem with the electron microscopy. The revealed features provide valuable input to the models of mesocrystal growth and the choice of structural motif; the impact on magnetic properties is discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.