Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ezzeldin Metwalli, Klaus Goetz, Tobias Zech, Christian Baer, Isabel Schuldes, Anne Martel, Lionel Porcar, Tobias Unruh
Summary: A customized portable SAXS instrument has been constructed and tested at the D22 SANS instrument at ILL, with optimized lead shielding arrangement and double energy threshold X-ray detector to suppress high-energy gamma radiation background. The upgraded SAXS instrument allows for improved signal-to-noise ratio data and combined SAXS and SANS measurements, enabling simultaneous fitting of SAXS and SANS data from the same sample volume for unambiguous interpretation of scattering data. Advanced in situ/real time investigations are now possible, revealing time-resolved complementary nanoscale structural information.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Margarita Kruteva, Michael Monkenbusch, Juergen Allgaier, Wim Pyckhout-Hintzen, Lionel Porcar, Dieter Richter
Summary: We conducted a systematic investigation on ring-linear blends using small angle neutron scattering, where we varied the ring volume fraction in a long linear matrix or the matrix length at a low ring fraction. We observed that the ring radius of gyration decreased with increasing ring fraction and approached the value of the ring melt at a volume fraction of φ(R) = 0.5. The fractal dimension, which was close to a Gaussian conformation at low φ(R), decreased to the value of the ring melt. The ring size was found to be independent of the host length, except for very short matrices.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Boyang Zhou, Urs Gasser, Alberto Fernandez-Nieves
Summary: The behavior of microgels depends on particle concentration, which is different from hard particles. The presence of charged groups on microgels and the associated counterion cloud are responsible for the spontaneous deswelling of microgels in concentrated suspensions. However, there is no direct measurement of this counterion cloud.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wentao Song, Zhong Zhang, Qiya Zhang, Jun Yu, Qiushi Huang, Chenyuan Chang, Weihang Hong, Xuewu Wang, Zhanshan Wang
Summary: This study presents the design of ten-shell nested fully annular quasi-ellipsoidal focusing mirrors with an m = 3 Ni/Ti supermirror coating to increase the neutron flux on a sample. The results show that the designed mirrors can enhance the neutron current by a factor of 13 or more compared to without focusing mirrors, and can be adaptable for instruments with changeable sources.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andreas Josef Schmid, Lars Wiehemeier, Sebastian Jaksch, Harald Schneider, Arno Hiess, Torsten Bogershausen, Tobias Widmann, Julija Reitenbach, Lucas P. Kreuzer, Matthias Kuehnhammer, Oliver Lohmann, Georg Brandl, Henrich Frielinghaus, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Regine von Klitzing, Thomas Hellweg
Summary: In order to exploit the potential of the new European Spallation Source in Lund, researchers have developed plug and play sample environments for different soft matter samples using a general carrier platform and unified connectors for software integration and control. This allows for reduced downtimes of instruments related to changing sample environments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Xing-Fen Jiang, Jian-Rong Zhou, Hong Luo, Liang Xiao, Xiao-Juan Zhou, Hong Xu, Yuan-Guang Xia, Xiao-Guang Wu, Lin Zhu, Wen-Qing Yang, Gui-An Yang, Bei-Ju Guan, Hong-Yu Zhang, Yu-Bin Zhao, Zhi-Jia Sun, Yuan-Bo Chen
Summary: The small-angle neutron scattering instrument at the China Spallation Neutron Source is equipped with a large-area He-3 tube array detector, allowing for the investigation of microscopic and mesoscopic structures of materials. The detector demonstrates high detection efficiency and resolution, providing stable support for numerous scientific programs.
NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Charl J. Jafta, Sylvain Prevost, Lilin He, Mengya Li, Xiao-Guang Sun, Guang Yang, Ilias Belharouak, Jagjit Nanda
Summary: In-situ and operando measurements were conducted to understand precipitation mechanisms in lithium sulfur batteries. The best method for sulfur infiltration was found to be melt infiltration in a vacuum oven. Solid product formation was observed at both the sulfur cathode and Li counter electrode during charge and discharge.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
F. Funama, Y. Adachi, S. Tasaki, Y. Abe
Summary: A novel SANS geometry with ring-shaped collimation (r-SANS) was developed to facilitate experiments using low-flux neutron source facilities. Monte Carlo simulation studies and experimental testing at Kyoto University confirmed the feasibility and accuracy of r-SANS. The results showed high signal-to-noise ratio experiments were possible, providing consistent scattering model parameters compared to conventional methods.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christophe Didier, Elliot P. Gilbert, Jitendra Mata, Vanessa K. Peterson
Summary: This study quantitatively investigates the morphology of lithium metal deposition in batteries using in situ ultra-small and small-angle neutron scattering. The research reveals the complex variations of surface area and interfacial distances influenced by current density and cell cycling history, providing valuable insights into the growth of metallic lithium features detrimental to battery performance. The findings are crucial for the development of safer and high-performance lithium metal batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Jie Chen, Lizhao Huang, Tingting Yang, Chaowen Yang, Shengyi Zhong, Guangai Sun, Guanyun Yan, Dong Liu
Summary: This study presents the design and application of grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) based on the SANS-Suanni spectrometer at CMRR. A multi-dimensional sample stage was designed and set up to achieve the desired geometry. Thin film samples of mono-dispersed silica on sapphire substrates were prepared and 2D GISANS patterns were collected. The experiment yielded typical signals and 1D GISANS profiles were obtained through rectangular integration. The study also determined the incident angle and contrast of the sample systems, and showed that GISANS can provide similar structural information as SANS and measure thin film samples.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William T. Heller
Summary: SANS is a powerful tool for studying biological and model lipid membranes, enabling details to be revealed. This article provides an overview of its application for studying lipid bilayer vesicles, the advantages of selective deuteration and contrast variation methods, and approaches to modeling SANS data.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bhaskar Das, Joseph T. Batley, Kathryn L. Krycka, Julie A. Borchers, Patrick Quarterman, Caroline Korostynski, My Nguyen, Ishita Kamboj, Eray S. Aydil, Chris Leighton
Summary: Advances in the synthesis and characterization of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles have provided insights into their complex magnetic behavior and potential applications. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Ni nanoparticles and reveals the presence of a non-ferromagnetic Ni phosphide shell. It also demonstrates bulk-like ferromagnetism in the Ni core and negligible interparticle magnetic interactions. These findings contribute to the understanding of synthesis-structure-property relationships in metallic magnetic nanoparticles and highlight the power of polarized SANS measurement and analysis in magnetic nanoparticle science and technology.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tooba Shoaib, Jae-Min Ha, Youngkyu Han, Wei-Ren Chen, Changwoo Do
Summary: The molecular exchange of SDS micelles in aqueous solution was investigated using time-resolved small angle neutron scattering. The results showed that the randomization process of pure h-SDS and d-SDS micelles occurs in two steps, with the kinetics in the second step dominated by the formation of domains rich in specific components.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor Martin Galvan Josa, Emmanuel Farhi, Ralf Schweins, Andrew Jackson, Claudia Mondelli
Summary: Chemistry and physics have made significant advances in recent years, leading to the development of complex systems. To understand the structure of these new materials, specific characterization tools are required. Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) measurements provide a unique approach to study this complexity. This paper presents the design of a USANS option for SANS instruments, which allows for the study of different complex systems under the same experimental conditions. Simulations show that the multi-beam approach can extend the Q range to lower values.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Seema Thakral, Kyungtae Kim
Summary: Small-angle scattering (SAS) is a versatile analytical technique that provides detailed structural information at the nanometer scale. It has diverse applications in pharmaceutical material characterization, including identification of liquid-crystalline mesophase of drugs, study of excipient microstructure influence, and optimization of solid dispersions and protein-based therapeutics formulations.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jian Tang, Takuya Katashima, Xiang Li, Yoshiro Mitsukami, Yuki Yokoyama, Naoyuki Sakumichi, Ung-il Chung, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Takamasa Sakai
Article
Polymer Science
Yui Tsuji, Shintaro Nakagawa, Caidric Indaya Gupit, Masashi Ohira, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Xiang Li
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yoko Iwamiya, Masayoshi Kawai, Daisuke Nishio-Hamane, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi
Summary: A novel coating technique enables paper to be used as a plastic alternative with water resistance and durability, while maintaining its original texture and flexibility. The organic-inorganic hybrid materials obtained can replace many plastic products and are easily decomposed in the natural environment without causing pollution.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Vladimir Yu Rudyak, Xiang Li, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Georgy S. Peters, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Alexander Chertovich
Summary: Polymer stimuli-responsive microgels are used in various applications, with interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels showing non-uniform inner architecture and microphase separation in selective solvent conditions. This study utilized static light scattering (SLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to investigate the structure factors of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyacrylic acid IPN microgels, revealing microphase separation and proposing a microstructured sphere model for interpretation. Additional analysis and verification were done through coarse-grained molecular dynamics computer simulations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Tatsuro Oda, Hitoshi Endo, Hidetoshi Ohshita, Tomohiro Seya, Yoshiji Yasu, Taro Nakajima, Masahiro Hino, Yuji Kawabata
Summary: In this study, a phase correction method is proposed for TOF-MIEZE neutron spin echo spectroscopy. The correction involves adjusting the phase shifts of the MIEZE signal to accurately measure the signal contrast decay, corresponding to the intermediate scattering function. Additionally, the method demonstrates the relationship between frequency shift of the TOF-MIEZE signal and path-length deviation for quantifying phase shifts larger than 2 pi.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yoko Iwamiya, Daisuke Nishio-Hamane, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi
Summary: We have developed a simple technique to coat paper with a silica-resin composite, which addresses the weaknesses of paper such as lack of water resistance and strength. The coating film, containing finely dispersed anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, exhibits moderate photocatalytic effects and antibacterial activity. Additionally, the porous silica-resin film has a high adsorptive capacity and efficiently captures and decomposes organic pollutants. The stable silica-resin-TiO2 composite coating transforms paper into an excellent plastic substitute with enhanced functionality.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Takuma Kureha, Masashi Ohira, Yuki Takahashi, Xiang Li, Elliot P. Gilbert, Mitsuhiro Shibayama
Summary: The nanostructures of temperature-responsive and biocompatible gels were investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. The behavior of these gels was dependent on the copolymerization ratio, with the swollen gels exhibiting characteristic peaks in the SANS profiles. The long hydrophilic side chains acted as a cushioning material between the domains, while the domains were randomly distributed in the other gel type. The results of this study have implications for controlling the physical properties and structures of hydrogels for advanced applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Yoko Iwamiya, Reiko Hoshino, Chika Terada-Ito, Shunsuke Sejima, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi, Reiko Tokuyama-Toda, Ryugo Iwamiya, Kouhei Ijichi, Toshie Chiba, Kazuhito Satomura
Summary: The study found that applying silica-resin coating technology to the non-woven fabric filters in masks can effectively load antimicrobial agents, thereby preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. This technology also has the potential to make significant breakthroughs in various fields, including infection prevention, building aging prevention, cultural property protection, realization of a plastic-free society, and environmental pollution prevention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Satoshi Nogami, Kazunori Kadota, Hiromasa Uchiyama, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Yuichi Tozuka
Summary: This study evaluated the drug diffusion behavior and kinetics of gelatin hydrogels prepared with polymers. The results showed that gelatin was homogeneously mixed with HPMCP or Eudragit((R)) but not with other polymers. The release rate of nizatidine from gelatin/HPMCP hydrogels was inhibited compared to gelatin/Eudragit((R)) hydrogels at pH 1.2. The drug diffusion mechanism of the gelatin/HPMCP hydrogel formulations was identified using four kinetic models.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masashi Ohira, Shintaro Nakagawa, Ryotaro Sampei, Takako Noritomi, Takamasa Sakai, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Xiang Li
Summary: Polymer crystallization significantly alters the physical properties of polymeric materials. However, little research has been done on crystallization in polymer networks. This study investigated the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks made from well-defined branched precursors. The results showed that network formation had a smaller effect on crystallization compared to the bulky end-groups in uncrosslinked polymers. The primary parameter that influenced crystallization in the PEG networks was the molecular weight of the precursor PEG, or the chain length between junctions.
Article
Polymer Science
Motoki Shibata, Yohei Nakanishi, Jun Abe, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Hiroki Iwase, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Ryuhei Motokawa, Takayuki Kumada, Shin-ichi Takata, Katsuhiro Yamamoto, Mikihito Takenaka, Tsukasa Miyazaki
Summary: Microplastic pollution is causing degradation of marine ecosystems. Decomposition of plastic using near critical or supercritical water is a promising method to remove microplastics. This study investigated the decomposition processes of polystyrene particles in deuterated water under near critical or supercritical conditions and observed the changes in material structure.
Article
Polymer Science
Di Jia, Yui Tsuji, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Murugappan Muthukumar
Summary: When long polymers are trapped in multiple entropic traps created by hydrogels, they are frozen into a nondiffusive topologically frustrated dynamical state (TFDS). The center of mass diffusion coefficient is zero in the TFDS regime, but the segmental dynamics of the macromolecule is active. It is found that the polydispersity in the number of monomers in the entropic traps is caused by conformational fluctuations.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Yoko Iwamiya, Chika Terada-Ito, Zenji Hiroi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Kazuhito Satomura
Summary: This study investigated the surface characteristics of a denture base coating containing hinokitiol and its effect on Candida albicans adhesion and growth. The results showed that the hinokitiol coating had lower CFU and higher stability compared to the control group, and exhibited improved surface characteristics.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yui Tsuji, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Xiang Li
Summary: The effects of neutralization and salt on the structure and mechanical properties of polyacrylic acid (PAA) gels under equivolume conditions were studied using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and tensile tests. The results showed that neutralization decreased scattering intensity and Young's modulus, while the addition of salt increased scattering intensity with little effect on Young's modulus. The newly developed equivolume post-ion-tuning technique may provide a new standard scheme for studying polyelectrolyte gels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuichiro Nishizawa, Haruka Minato, Takumi Inui, Ikuma Saito, Takuma Kureha, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Takayuki Uchihashi, Daisuke Suzuki
Summary: In this study, the nanostructure and thermoresponsiveness of pNIPMAm microgels were evaluated using temperature-controllable high-speed atomic force microscopy, revealing a peculiar heterogeneous structure and the impact of adsorption concentration on their thermoresponsiveness. These findings are expected to advance the design of new materials such as thermoresponsive nanosheets and stimuli-responsive coatings.