A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Environment for In-Situ Observation of Chemical Processes

Abstract A new sample environment for the observation of ongoing chemical reactions is introduced for small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments which enables structural changes to be followed continuously across a wide Q-range in response to changes in the chemical environment. The approach...

Description complète

Enregistré dans:
Détails bibliographiques
Auteurs principaux: Dominic W. Hayward, Leonardo Chiappisi, Sylvain Prévost, Ralf Schweins, Michael Gradzielski
Format: article
Langue:EN
Publié: Nature Portfolio 2018
Sujets:
R
Q
Accès en ligne:https://doaj.org/article/06483333a6b04e5d9c142c180d278686
Tags: Ajouter un tag
Pas de tags, Soyez le premier à ajouter un tag!
Description
Résumé:Abstract A new sample environment for the observation of ongoing chemical reactions is introduced for small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments which enables structural changes to be followed continuously across a wide Q-range in response to changes in the chemical environment. The approach is demonstrated and validated by performing single and multiple potentiometric titrations on an aqueous anionic surfactant solution (oligo-oxyethylene alkylether carboxylic acid in D2O) with addition times varying from 1 s to 2 h. It is shown that the continuous flow set-up offers considerable advantages over classical ‘static’ measurements with regards to sample throughput, compositional precision and the ability to observe fast structural transitions. Finally, the capabilities and ongoing optimisation of the sample environment are discussed with reference to potential applications in the fields of biology, colloidal systems and complex soft matter.