Uncovering Structure, Formation and Transition   of Nanoparticles by X-Ray Scattering

Nanoparticle Process Technology (NPPT), Faculty of Engineering and CENIDE,
University Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstr. 1, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
Contact: martin.schroer@uni-due.de

Materials based on nanoparticles find a wide range of applications, e. g. in catalysis, energy storage, and medical diagnostics The properties of nanoparticles strongly depend on their characteristics, such as size, dispersity and shape, which can be controlled by the synthesis and modified by processing, e. g. in the form of colloidal suspensions or as nanoscaled powders. In order to obtain a full understanding of these structural properties and their evolution during processing, it is essential to determine it at all relevant length scales – ideally following formation and transition processes under in situ and operando conditions.

These requirements are fulfilled by X-ray scattering techniques, that do not only yield access into lengths scales from several Ångstrom up to hundreds of nanometers, but also allow for probing the formation and evolution of nanoparticles by time-resolved studies under realistic formation conditions.

In my presentation, I will demonstrate how X-ray scattering, in particular small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), can be used to explore the structure and structural evolution of various types of nanoparticle systems. I will give examples how to probe structure, formation and transitions in hard and soft matter systems in different aggregation states, highlighting the broad versatility of SAXS.