Crystallography
The Virginia Tech Crystallography Lab (VTX) was formed by combining the resources of the Departments of Chemistry, Geosciences and Biology with support from the College of Science. VTX operates five diffractometers and is able to collect data on a broad range of single-crystal samples (e.g. small molecules, frameworks, minerals and proteins). The Department of Chemistry operates two diffractometers as part of a service center: the Rigaku Oxford Diffraction “Synergy” (NSF MRI Grant 1726077) and the Rigaku Oxford Diffraction “Gemini”.
| Per Dataset | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Instruments | Internal | Federal | External |
| SCXRD Dataset | $50.00 | $80.50 | $1000.00 |
| Tech Assist | $40.00 | $64.40 | $125.00 |
Services
- Crystal screening and mounting
- Structure solution, refinemenet, and interpretation of chemical/minerals samples
- Cambridge Crystallographic Database searching
- Specialized Experiments (see below)
The diffractometers are designed for single-crystal samples. Other techniques (including powder diffraction) are considered ‘specialized’ and are only offered by special request and with adequate justification for the need of the single crystal instruments as opposed to instruments specifically designed for such experiments. Contact Carla for specialized rates and qualification.
This must be done in collaboration with a protein crystallographer: VTX staff will gladly assist with data collection but we are not trained in protein crystallography. Users must be prepared to assist the crystallographer in the lab; structure solution and refinement services are NOT available.
VTX has the unusual capability to collect in-situ high-pressure single crystal data (up to 10 GPa). These experiments are highly specialized and are offered through research collaboration with Professor Nancy Ross.
EHS Prerequisites
Independent User
- Lab X-ray License
- Read Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Approval from Carla
CHEM 5134 (Spring 2026, 1 credits P/F)
The goal of the course is to provide students with a hands-on introduction to crystallography. The target audience is students who use crystallography as a tool in their research and who submit samples to the X-ray Service Center for analysis (but do not use crystallography enough to take the 2-semester course qualifying them to work independently).
CHEM 5525/GEOS 5535 (Fall 2027, 3 credits)
Covers the means of describing a crystalline solid, including lattices and symmetry (i.e. 2D and 3D point groups, 2D plane groups, and 3D space groups), allowing for the formal description of structures and surfaces and the interpretation of published crystallographic data. This course is a prerequisite for CHEM 5526/GEOS 5536. Undergraduates who have taken CHEM 3615, GEOS 3504, or an equivalently rigorous course are welcome to register.
CHEM 5526/GEOS 5536 (Spring 2028, 3 credits)
Covers diffraction theory and practical aspects of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction.
CHEM 5525/GEOS 5535 is a prerequisite. Students who complete this course are permitted to work independently in VTX.
Internal PO Submission Process
How to fill out an Analytical Services ISR
Supplier: "VT Chemistry X-Ray Lab"
External Measurement Request
Contact Carla Slebodnick
slebod@vt.edu
540-231-1848
Data Management
Virginia Tech has a site license to the Cambridge Structural Database. For occasional users of the database, the WebCSD can be accessed from any computer with a Virginia Tech IP address. Users who need frequent and/or specialized searches, or who need access to a CSD software suite (CSD-System, CSD-Materials, or CSD-Discovery) should contact Dr. Slebodnick for download instructions.
Co-Authorship Guidelines
When co-authorship is expected:
- Substantial intellectual contributions to experimental design, data interpretation, or manuscript preparation
- Specialized technique development or troubleshooting beyond routine support
- Custom method development, extensive troubleshooting, or data analysis assistance
When acknowledgment (not co-authorship) is sufficient:
- Routine training and instrument access
- Standard walkup experiments without significant staff involvement
- Minor troubleshooting or parameter adjustments
Best practice: Discuss authorship expectations early in your project with facility staff to avoid misunderstandings.
Laboratory Hours
By appointment only
Contact NMR Staff
Carla Slebodnick, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor
slebod@vt.edu
540-231-1848
Emergency Contact
VT Environmental Health & Safety
540-231-5364
www.ehs.vt.edu
Kenny Smith
Facilities Manager
kesmith7@vt.edu
Drew Murphy
Safety Coordinator
drewmurphy23@vt.edu
Lab Address
Integrated Life Sciences Building (CRC), Rm 2050
Virginia Tech
1981 Kraft Dr SW
Blacksburg, VA 24061