Small Angle X-ray Scattering for Nanoparticle Research
Abstract
X-ray scattering is a structural characterization tool that has impacted diverse fields of study. It is unique in its ability to examine materials in real time and under realistic sample environments, enabling researchers to understand morphology at nanometer and angstrom length scales using complementary small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), respectively. Herein, we focus on the use of SAXS to examine nanoscale particulate systems. We provide a theoretical foundation for X-ray scattering, considering both form factor and structure factor, as well as the use of correlation functions, which may be used to determine a particle's size, size distribution, shape, and organization into hierarchical structures. The theory is expanded upon with contemporary use cases. Both transmission and reflection (grazing incidence) geometries are addressed, as well as the combination of SAXS with other X-ray and non-X-ray characterization tools. We conclude with an examination of several key areas of research where X-ray scattering has played a pivotal role, including in situ nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle assembly, and operando studies of catalysts and energy storage materials. Throughout this review we highlight the unique capabilities of X-ray scattering for structural characterization of materials in their native environment.
Read the paper
Related studies
- The potential and limitations of neutrons, electrons and X-rays for atomic resolution microscopy of unstained biological molecules
- X-ray-Computed Tomography Contrast Agents
- Reactivity of Surface Species in Heterogeneous Catalysts Probed by In Situ X-ray Absorption Techniques
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on structural transformations of porous coordination polymers
- Investigation of solid/vapor interfaces using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
- Resonant X-Ray Scattering Studies of Charge Order in Cuprates
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.