https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2009-00937-4
Crystal structure determination from two-dimensional powders: A combined experimental and theoretical approach
The example para-cyano-quaterphenylene
1
Institute of Solid State Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, 8010 Graz, Austria
2
CHESS Centre, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
3
Chair for Atomistic Modelling and Design of Materials, University Leoben, Franz-Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria
4
University of Southern Denmark, MCI, NanoSYD, Alsion 2, 6400 Soenderborg, Denmark
A combined experimental and theoretical approach is used to
solve the unknown crystal structure of para-cyano-quaterphenylene.
Thin films are prepared by physical vapor deposition on isotropic
surfaces, whereby a two-dimensional powder is formed. Using specular
and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, the crystallographic unit
cell of the dominant polymorph phase is obtained. A monoclinic
lattice with unit cell parameters 
, 
, 
, and β=97.4○ is determined. These
experimental parameters are used as input for ab initio calculations
within the framework of density-functional theory to
determine the molecular packing within the crystal structure.
Three types of molecular arrangements are found, exhibiting
very close energies of formation. From the comparison of
calculated structure factors with the experimentally observed
intensities two solutions could be excluded. The molecule is found
to pack in a herringbone pattern with layers of upright standing
molecules.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag, 2009
