Structural changes in gradient colloidal thin gold films deposited from aqueous solution

Abstract

Pattern formation is investigated in a one-dimensional gradient prepared from an aqueous colloidal gold nanoparticle solution. The hydrodynamic process can be reconstructed by determining the prominent length scales and surface roughness in the dried gradient. The structural information is obtained using a combination of grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, which is a method of high-statistical relevance, and a moderate microfocused beam. This allows for scanning the gradient and to locally reveal the structure of the thin film. Our results, based on a simplified hydrodynamic model, indicate a system oscillating between depleted regions, nanoparticle domains and complete nanoparticle layers.

Possible origin of the crack pattern in deposition films formed from a drying colloidal suspension

“…We consider that the clusters continuingly grow and separate each other with a distance ζ in the solvent. This physical configuration is confirmed by the x-ray scattering experiment for drying nanoparticle suspension [15,17]. After k coalescences (k doublet reactions), the number and radius of clusters in the suspension are…”

“…We consider that the clusters continuingly grow and separate with a distance ζ in the solvent. This physical configuration is confirmed by the X-ray scattering experiment for drying nanoparticle suspension [15,17]. The suspension volume can be represented as, V = , the variable of integration dV (see Fig.…”

Investigating Polymer–Metal Interfaces by Grazing Incidence Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering from Gradients to Real-Time Studies

“…For combinatorial investigations, one-dimensional (1D) gradient samples were probed using GISAXS combined with micro- and nanofocused X-ray beams [ 131 , 184 , 185 ]. Here, the 1D gradient was realized by a varying deposited Au mass thickness, leading to different nanoparticle shapes and arrangement as a function of position on the sample.…”

Structure Development of the Interphase between Drying Cellulose Materials Revealed by In Situ Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

“…The occurrence of a side peak in the q ∥ plots shown in Figure 1 e, indicated by the arrow, allows for the determination of a characteristic in-plane length scale via d ∥ = 2π/ q ∥ , 29 , 48 where d ∥ is attributed to the average distance between cellulose aggregate structures. A plot of d ∥ versus evaporation time is shown in Figure 1 f. The data show that d ∥ changes from 29.2 ± 0.5 to 24.4 ± 2.0 nm after placing the water-swollen cellulose gel filament onto the cellulose thin film.…”