Surface force confinement cell for neutron reflectometry studies of complex fluids under nanoconfinement

Area of Science:

• Soft Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Understanding nanoscale structure and behavior in confined systems is crucial for developing advanced materials.
• Existing methods for studying nanoconfined fluids often lack precise force control and stability.
• Neutron reflectometry is a powerful technique for probing interfacial and nanostructure properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate the capabilities of a novel neutron surface force confinement cell (NSFCC).
• To enable in situ, temporally stable, force-controlled studies of nanoconfined complex fluid systems.
• To investigate confinement and finite size effects on nanoscale structure.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a new neutron surface force confinement cell (NSFCC) with a hydraulically powered force control system.
• Simultaneous neutron reflectometry measurements.
• Utilizing deuterated toluene confined between diblock copolymer coated quartz substrates for testing.

Main Results:

• The NSFCC demonstrated precise control over surface separation through applied hydraulic force.
• Neutron reflectivity measurements revealed well-defined decreases in separation with increasing force.
• The apparatus exhibited high temporal stability, with no noticeable changes in hydraulic pressure during measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed NSFCC provides a significant advancement in controlling and studying nanoconfined systems.
• This tool allows for detailed investigation of confinement effects on nanoscale structure in complex fluids and soft matter.
• The NSFCC opens new avenues for research in areas such as thin films, interfaces, and nanostructured materials.