A novel experimental approach for nanostructure analysis: simultaneous small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) on the same sample volume offers complementary nanoscale structural information.
• Independent SAXS and SANS experiments can lead to discrepancies, especially in in situ studies.
• A new portable SAXS system has been developed for installation at the ILL D22 beamline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an advanced portable SAXS system suitable for simultaneous measurements with SANS.
• To demonstrate the capability of combined SAXS/SANS for real-time, correlated structural analysis.
• To showcase the application of this method in studying dynamic processes like nanoparticle growth.

Main Methods:

• Development and installation of a portable SAXS system featuring a rotating-anode X-ray generator and a DECTRIS detector.
• Utilizing a changeable sample-to-detector distance up to 1.6 m within a vacuum chamber.
• Simultaneous probing of gold nanoparticle growth using SAXS/SANS to capture temporal structural rearrangements.

Main Results:

• The new SAXS system enables simultaneous data acquisition with SANS, ensuring sample consistency.
• Temporal structural changes of organic stabilizers and gold nanoparticles during growth were successfully monitored.
• Correlated structural information was obtained in real-time, highlighting the method's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The combined SAXS/SANS approach provides unique, correlated nanoscale structural insights.
• This nano-analytical method facilitates real-time investigations of novel nanomaterials and in situ biological systems.
• Future development aims for a fully automated SAXS/SANS system for enhanced user efficiency.