Mission and Overview

UNC Department of Chemistry X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory (XCL)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory (XCL) at UNC Chapel Hill is dedicated to supporting research, education, and outreach within the university and the broader scientific community. Active collaboration with other UNC core facilities—including the Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL) and the Macromolecular Crystallography Core (MX)—ensures a comprehensive and efficient analytical strategy for diverse research needs.

The facility houses three single-crystal X-ray diffractometers: Bruker D8 VENTURE, Bruker SMART APEX II, and Bruker KAPPA APEX II, each suited for routine and absolute structure determinations. Services include single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) structure determination and user training in both single-crystal and powder XRD techniques. For samples unsuitable for in-house data collection due to weak diffraction, synchrotron experiments are conducted three times per year through SCrAPS (Synchrotron Crystallography at Advanced Photon Source) at Argonne National Laboratory.

Beginning in Q3 2025, MicroED services will be introduced in collaboration with the UNC CryoEM Core, extending capabilities to sub-micron crystalline materials.

XCL offers both client-based and user-based access models. Clients receive end-to-end structure determination services, while trained users gain independent access to instruments for data collection and structural analysis. To become a certified user, completion of the X-ray Crystallography course and successful fulfillment of instrument-specific and safety training requirements are necessary.