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Microphase formation at a 2D solid-gas phase transition
Adam W Schuman1, Thomas S Bsaibes, Mark L Schlossman
1Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. aschum3@uic.edu schloss@uic.edu.
Soft Matter
|August 5, 2014
Summary
Researchers observed microphases, or distinct density regions, at liquid interfaces. These microphases transition through various 2D phases (gas, cluster, stripe, mosaic) with cooling, revealing solid-like cluster behavior and suggesting elastic interactions.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Soft Matter Physics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Density modulated microphases are observed at 2D liquid interfaces.
- These microphases appear as alternating high and low density domains.
- Previous observations exist for microphases in various systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a convenient method for observing temperature-dependent 2D phases at liquid-liquid interfaces.
- To characterize the morphologies and transitions of microphases.
- To investigate the physical interactions governing microphase formation.
Main Methods:
- Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) was used to image microphase formation.
- A hexane-water interface with fluoro-alkanol surfactant was studied.
- Temperature was varied to induce adsorption transitions and phase changes.
Main Results:
- Microphases were observed in cluster, stripe, and mosaic morphologies at the hexane-water interface.
- A full sequence of 2D phases (gas to solid) was observed with cooling.
- Cluster cracking indicated a solid microphase, requiring two length scales and suggesting elastic interactions.
Conclusions:
- Adsorption transitions provide a versatile route to study 2D phase behavior.
- The observed microphase structures and transitions offer insights into interfacial phenomena.
- Long-range elastic interactions are likely relevant for understanding cluster and stripe phases.
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