An alternative method for pair distribution function (PDF) determination from complex environments

In this paper, we report an alternative method for the pair distribution function (PDF) determination of the sample in a complex environment in terms of Rietveld refinement to distinguish and extract the X-ray total scattering data. The proposed method is well suited to the high-pressure PDF data reduction where the X-ray total scattering may be spoiled by the unwanted scattering from sample surroundings. Results of nano gold (n-Au) at high pressure under quasi-hydrostatic conditions indicates that this is a simple but effective method. Demonstration of the proposed method applied to the compressibility properties of n-Au up to 15 GPa is presented.