Phase Transition Kinetics of Doubly Thermoresponsive Poly(sulfobetaine)-Based Diblock Copolymer Thin Films

Polyvinyl Butyral Solid Electrolyte Film and Its Electrochromic Laminated Safety Glass

In recent years, the application of electrochromic laminated safety glass has attracted more and more attention, relying on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) solid electrolyte film. Herein, the ionic conductivity (σ) of the PVB film has been improved by a cross-linked structure and blended with LiClO4, which can reach as high as 1.78 × 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature. In addition, their excellent comprehensive characteristics have been confirmed, such as mechanical strength, high visible light transmittance (>90%), high bond strength (4.2 MPa), and excellent thermal stability. Based on the PVB film above, WO3-laminated electrochromic devices with 5 × 5 cm2 and 10 × 10 cm2 areas are constructed. They can remain stable after 20 000 cycles monitored by cyclic voltammetry curves, indicating the PVB solid polymer electrolyte (PSPE) with a cross-linked structure has the potential commercial viability of large-area electrochromic devices (ECDs).

Surface Depth Analysis of Chemical Changes in Random Copolymer Thin Films Composed of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Silicon-Based Monomers Induced by Plasma Treatment as Studied by Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Neutron Reflectivity Measurements

In this study, a silicon-based copolymer, poly(tris(trimethylsiloxy)-3-methacryloxypropylsilane)-co-poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide), thin film was subjected to plasma surface treatment to make its surface hydrophilic (biocompatible). Neutron reflectivity (NR) measurement of the plasma-treated thin film showed a decrease in the film thickness (etching width: ∼20 nm) and an increase in the scattering length density (SLD) near the surface (∼15 nm). The region with a considerably high SLD adsorbed water (D2O) from its saturated vapor, indicating its superior surface hydrophilicity. Nevertheless of the hydrophilicity, the swelling of the thin film was suppressed. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) performed at various takeoff angles revealed that the thin-film surface (∼20 nm depth) underwent extensive oxidation. NR and HAXPES analysis quantitatively yielded the depth profiling of elemental compositions in a few tens of nm scale. Si oxidation and hydrogen elimination (probably CH3 groups) in the vicinity of the surface region increased the SLD and decreased the hydrophobicity. A combination of Soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and NR measurements revealed the surface chemical composition and mass density. It was considered that the surface near the film was chemically composed close to SiO2, forming a gel-like (three-dimensional network) structure that is hydrophilic and suppresses swelling due to moisture, indicating it can be expected to maintain stable hydrophilicity on the film surface.

Phase-Changeable Metafabric Enables Dynamic Subambient Humidity and Thermal Regulation

A promising approach to prevent heat- and cold-related illnesses is the integration of zero-energy input control technology into personal thermal management (PTM) systems while reducing energy consumption. However, achieving optimal wearing comfort while maintaining subambient metabolic temperatures using thermally regulating materials without an energy supply remains challenging. In this study, we provide a simple and reliable methodology to produce a phase-changeable metafabric made of thermoplastic polyurethane and phase change capsule (PCC) particles with high moisture permeability and thermal comfort. This approach skillfully incorporates spray-formed PCC particles into a three-dimensional nanofibrous aggregate, forming a stable self-entangled network structure in a single step through simultaneous humidity-assisted electrospraying and electrospinning processes. Additionally, the metafabric demonstrates prominent water resistance and superhydrophobicity, which are attributed to the integration of PCC particles and nanofibers, resulting in the formation of a microporous/nanoporous structure resembling the surface of a lotus leaf. As a result, the phase-changeable metafabric shows an active and passive thermal control performance, with a water vapor transmittance rate of 13.1 kg m-2 d-1 and a phase change enthalpy of 115.05 J g-1 even after 100 thermal cycles. Furthermore, it displays excellent waterproofing capability, characterized by a water contact angle of 158.7° and the ability to withstand a high hydrostatic pressure of 87 kPa. In addition, the metafabric exhibits a good mechanical performance, boasting a tensile strength of 10.5 MPa. Overall, the proposed economical metafabric is an exemplary candidate material for next-generation PTM systems.

Characterizing Hygroscopic Films of Polyzwitterions in Electric Fields Using Neutron and X-ray Reflectometries: Electrostriction or Mass Loss?

We study responses of thermally annealed ultrathin films deposited on silicon substrates and containing polyzwitterions to applied electric fields by using specular neutron reflectometry (NR). In particular, we applied 7 kV under vacuum at 150 °C on the films containing poly(1-(3-sulfonatopropyl)-2-vinylpyridinium) (P2VPPS) and its blends with either a deuterated ionic liquid (EMIMBF4-d11), potassium bromide (KBr), or deuterated sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS-d7). The voltage was applied over an air gap, and the in situ neutron reflectivity measurements allowed us to measure changes in the films. In all the cases, we measured decreases in thicknesses of the films, which varied up to ∼8% depending on the added salt. Posteriori X-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements on the same films at room temperature reveal that these films were highly hygroscopic, which led to the presence of water in these films. Analysis of the NR and the XRR revealed that the decrease in the thickness of the films in the neutron reflectivity experiments on heating resulted from the loss of water and the ionic liquid but not from electrostrictive effects. The in situ NR and posteriori XRR experiments revealed not only the hygroscopic nature of these films but also depth-resolved structural rearrangements due to the applied electric fields in the films containing electrolytes and polyelectrolytes. This work shows that a combination of NR and XRR can be used to distinguish between mass loss and electrostriction in films containing charged polymers such as polyzwitterions.

Effect of Embedded g-C3N4 Nanosheets on the Hydration and Thermal Response Behavior of Cross-Linked Thermoresponsive Copolymer Films

The effect of embedded graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets on hydration and thermal response behavior of cross-linked thermoresponsive poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate), abbreviated as P(MA-co-MA300), thin films is probed by white light interferometry. Compared with that of the cross-linked pure P(MA-co-MA300) films, the surface roughness of the cross-linked hybrid films is slightly increased, which is caused by the minor aggregation of g-C3N4 nanosheets during the spin-coating process. After exposure to a water vapor atmosphere, both cross-linked pure and hybrid films can absorb water and swell. However, the introduction of g-C3N4 not only induces a larger hydration extent but also triggers a nonlinear transition behavior upon heating. This prominent difference might be related to the residual hydrophilic groups (-NH2 and N-H) on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets, which enhance the interaction and absorption capability for water molecules in the hybrid films. Upon further increasing the amount of embedded g-C3N4 nanosheets in films, more hydrogen bonds are formed and a larger hydration extent of films is observed. To break all of the hydrogen bonds in films, a higher transition temperature (TT) is required. The observed hydration and transition behaviors of hybrid films can be used to design hydrogel-based films for hydrogen evolution or wastewater treatment.

Thermal-Responsive Smart Windows with Passive Dimming and Thermal Energy Storage

Chromogenic smart windows are one of the key components in improving the building energy efficiency. By simulation of the three-dimensional network of polymer hydrogels, thermal-responsive phase change materials (TRPCMs) are manufactured for energy-saving windows. For simulated polymer hydrogels, tetradecanol (TD) and a color changing dye (CCD) are filled in situ in poly(n-butyl isobutyrate) (PBB) networks. TRPCMs convert solar energy into thermal energy through a dark blue CCD. The TD phase change material (PCM) absorbs heat energy to become a transparent liquid. Simultaneously, the CCD changes from blue to colorless and transparent at around 45 °C. As a result, as-prepared TRPCMs transform from an opaque state at room temperature to a high-transparency state after melting (74.5%). TRPCMs also show a good thermal storage capacity, with a phase transition enthalpy exceeding 161.9 J g-1. As-prepared smart materials can simultaneously achieve photothermal conversion, thermal energy diffusion, latent heat storage, and resistance to liquid leakage at the phase interface between opaque and transparent states, providing more options for the design of energy-saving buildings.

Engineering Soft Spring Gauges for In Situ Biomaterial and Tissue Weighing

Hydrogels have gained great attention and broad applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery due to their excellent biocompatibility and degradability. However, accurately and noninvasively characterizing the degradation process of hydrogels remains a challenge. To address this, we have developed a method using soft spring gauges (SSGs) for the in situ weighing of hydrogels. Our approach uses a simple hydrogel-based sacrificial template method to fabricate polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SSGs. The SSGs used in this study can characterize hydrogels with a minimum wet weight of approximately 30 mg. Through theoretical derivations, numerical simulations, and experimental characterization, we confirmed that the length change of the SSGs in a buffer solution correlates linearly with the applied hanging weights. This allows us to track and assess the solid mass change of hydrogels during degradation with high feasibility and accuracy. Additionally, we have demonstrated the potential application of SSGs for the in situ characterization of engineered tissue growth. This method represents an advanced approach for in situ hydrogel weighing, holding great promise for advancing the development of hydrogels and other biomaterials in biomedical applications.

Facile Preparation of a Low-Cost Liquid Interlayer Material with Intelligent UV-NIR-Shielding Function for Smart Windows

High-performance interlayer materials have garnered considerable interest owing to their low manufacturing costs and applicability in smart windows. In this study, a novel smart-window interlayer material capable of selective shielding against both near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is developed based on the light transmittance control mechanism. An excellent thermoresponsive liquid, denoted as CDs@TRL (viz., carbon quantum dots at thermal-responsive liquid), is synthesized by compositing biomass-based fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) at natural ambient temperature and in an aqueous phase. Due to the characteristics of CDs and synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds, CDs@TRL exhibits a high specific heat capacity (4.41 kJ kg-1 K-1), large thermal storage capacity (264.6 kJ kg-1), and better UV-NIR-blocking properties, compared to pure pNIPAM, as well as improves the sensitivity of thermal response. When injected into a window as a liquid interlayer, CDs@TRL can intelligently adjust the light transmittance according to ambient light intensity to achieve an intelligent response. The shielding rate of a 10 mm-thick CDs@TRL composite liquid against UV radiation (200-400 nm) was more than 95% in an overcast environment with insufficient light and close to 100% in a well-lighted environment. In addition, CDs@TRL is a cost-effective material that can be prepared from a wide range of raw material sources using a simple preparation process and exhibits excellent mobility and recyclability. Because of these features, it is considered to be a promising candidate for developing energy-saving and climate-adapted smart windows.

Bioinspired Switchable Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Coatings

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) relies on simultaneous reflection of sunlight and radiation toward cold outer space. Current designs of PDRC coatings have demonstrated potential as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional electrical air conditioning (AC). While many features of PDRC have been individually optimized in different studies, for practical impact, it is essential for a system to demonstrate excellence in all essential aspects, like the materials that nature has created. We propose a bioinspired PDRC structure templated by bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) that possesses excellent cooling, thinness, tunability, scalability, and mechanical robustness. The unique bicontinuous disordered structure captures key features of Cyphochilus beetle scales, enabling a thin (130 μm) bijel PDRC coating to achieve high solar reflectance (≳0.97) and high longwave-infrared (LWIR) emissivity (≳0.93), resulting in a subambient temperature drop of ∼5.6 °C under direct sunlight. We further demonstrate switchable cooling inspired by the exoskeleton of the Hercules beetle and mechanical robustness in analogy to spongy bone structures.

Multifunctional Filler-Free PEDOT:PSS Hydrogels with Ultrahigh Electrical Conductivity Induced by Lewis-Acid-Promoted Ion Exchange

Highly conductive hydrogels with biotissue-like mechanical properties are of great interest in the emerging field of hydrogel bioelectronics due to their good biocompatibility, deformability, and stability. Fully polymeric hydrogels may exhibit comparable Young's modulus to biotissues. However, most of these filler-free hydrogels have a low electrical conductivity of <10 S cm-1 , which limits their wide applications of them in digital circuits or bioelectronic devices. In this work, a series of metal-halides-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hydrogels with an ultrahigh electrical conductivity up to 547 S cm-1 is reported, which is 1.5 times to 104 times higher than previously reported filler-free polymeric hydrogels. Theoretical calculation demonstrated that the ion exchange between PEDOT:PSS and the metal halides played an important role to promote phase separation in the hydrogels, which thus leads to ultrahigh electrical conductivity. The high electrical conductivity resulted in multifunctional hydrogels with high performance in thermoelectrics, electromagnetic shielding, Joule heating, and sensing. Such flexible and stretchable hydrogels with ultrahigh electrical conductivity and stability upon various deformations are promising for soft bioelectronics devices and wearable electronics.

Novel Green Reversible Humidity-Responsive Hemiaminal Dynamic Covalent Network for Smart Window

Recently, smart windows have attracted widespread attention on account of their unique features, yet traditional smart windows still rely on external energy support to accomplish dynamic reversible switching, which not only confines usage but also causes waste of energy. For this purpose, we have prepared hemiaminal dynamic covalent network (HDCN) film with outstanding flexibility and strength by a simple and low-cost method, in which the modulus is 206.28 MPa and the elongation at break is 39.02%. Additionally, the transition from a transparent to an opaque state is achieved when the film is stimulated by humidity, and the dynamic transformation of the film to different phases of transparency is obtained when the film is exposed to different relative humidities (60-99%). Most importantly, HDCN film fulfills the modern green requirements and enables complete dissolution in a certain mildly acidic solution, avoiding environmental pollution when the material is discarded due to loss of function. The dynamic tunability of HDCN film demonstrates great advantages and potential in smart windows and anticounterfeiting.

Thermo-Responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose Hydrogel with High Luminous Transmittance and Solar Modulation for Smart Windows

Thermochromic smart windows are considered to be promising energy-saving devices for reducing energy consumption in buildings. The ideal materials for thermochromic smart windows should have high transmittance, high solar modulation, low phase-transition temperature, and excellent high-temperature thermal stability, which are difficult to achieve simultaneously. This work reports a simple one-step low-temperature polymerization method to prepare a thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (PNIPAM/HPMC) hydrogel achieving the above performances simultaneously. The low-temperature polymerization environment endowed the hydrogel with a high luminous transmittance (T_lum) of 90.82%. HPMC as a functional material effectively enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the hydrogel. Meanwhile, the PNIPAM/HPMC hydrogel showed a low phase-transition temperature (∼32 °C) and high solar modulation (ΔT_sol = 81.52%), which proved that it is an ideal material for thermochromic smart windows. Moreover, a PNIPAM/HPMC smart window exhibited high light transmittance (T_380-760 = 86.27%), excellent light modulation (ΔT₃₆₅ = 74.27%, ΔT_380-760 = 86.17%, and ΔT₉₄₀ = 63.93%), good indoor temperature regulation ability and stability, which indicated that it was an attractive candidate for application in reducing energy consumption in buildings. This work also provides an option and direction for modifying PNIPAM-based thermochromic smart windows.

Dual-Responsive Hydrogels with Three-Stage Optical Modulation for Smart Windows

Since room temperature management consumes a large amount of building energy, thermochromic smart windows have been extensively used for temperature regulation and energy management. However, the development of the smart window is still limited by its simple thermochromic performance, unreasonable thermochromic temperature, and the lack of additional stimulation conditions. In this work, a dual-responsive hydrogel was developed by introducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium chloride into the cross-linking network of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and polyacrylamide (PAM) for energy-saving and privacy protection. By controlling the temperature from low (<15 °C) to medium (15-28 °C) to high (>28 °C), the dual-responsive hydrogel achieved a reversible three-stage transition of opaque-transparent-translucent. The hydrogel exhibited a satisfactory solar modulation ability (T_lum = 80.3%, ΔT_sol,15-18°C = 72.9%, ΔT_sol,18-35°C = 42.7%) and effective IR and UV shielding at high (or low) temperatures. Moreover, compared with traditional windows, smart windows made of dual-responsive hydrogels could offer better thermal insulation and heat preservation. The electrochromic properties of the dual-responsive hydrogel presented a facile strategy to meet the needs of different situations. The dual-responsive hydrogel features energy-saving, privacy protection, three-stage optical modulation, and multistimulus responsiveness, making it an ideal smart window candidate.

Strong Cellulose-Based Light-Management Film with Ultraviolet Blocking and Near-Infrared Shielding Performance

Light-management materials play a great significant role in efficient-energy buildings because they reduce indoor energy consumption by adjusting to natural sunlight, enhancing heat insulation, and creating comfortable indoor lighting. Here, we fabricated an ecofriendly and sustainable lignocellulose-based light-management film via a facile homogenization and mechanical hot-pressing method without complicated treatment or toxic reagents. The resulting film exhibited a favorable ultraviolet (UV) blocking performance of 82.25% for UVA, high visible light transmittance, and high haze, with a desirable tensile strength of 197 MPa, which was significantly higher than those of most petroleum-based plastics. Accordingly, the film was further endowed with near-infrared absorption performance by spray-coating with lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) nanoparticles─there were almost no adverse effects on its light transmittance or mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the high haze of the film implied that it met the requirement for privacy protection in smart buildings. The MFC/lignin/LaB₆ composite film has potential applications in energy-saving buildings and optoelectronic devices.

Tunable Thermoresponsive Flexible Films for Adaptive Temperature Management and Visual Temperature Monitoring

Effective temperature management is essential for human thermal comfort and health. Although various temperature regulation materials have been proposed previously, there are few materials that have the dual functions of temperature monitoring and thermal management. Herein, a thermoresponsive form-stable flexible film based on phase-change materials (PCMs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is rationally designed. The resultant versatile PCM@PDMS film is able to absorb and release heat responding to temperature stimuli and good mechanical strength. Moreover, optical visibility of the PCM@PDMS film can be reversibly converted between opaque and transparent states to monitor temperature. The switching principle is that solid PCMs embedded in the PDMS would be melted into liquid PCMs to enable light through the PCM@PDMS. The thermal experiment results suggest that the PCM@PDMS films can effectively regulate the human body temperature to adapt to the demanding environment (self-heating more than 3 °C in the cold environment or self-cooling more than 4 °C in the hot environment). Such dual-function films open a pathway to develop smart personalized thermoregulation materials for human body thermal management and temperature monitoring.

Poly(sulfobetaine)-Based Diblock Copolymer Thin Films in Water/Acetone Atmosphere: Modulation of Water Hydration and Co-nonsolvency-Triggered Film Contraction

The water swelling and subsequent solvent exchange including co-nonsolvency behavior of thin films of a doubly thermo-responsive diblock copolymer (DBC) are studied via spectral reflectance, time-of-flight neutron reflectometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The DBC consists of a thermo-responsive zwitterionic (poly(4-((3-methacrylamidopropyl) dimethylammonio) butane-1-sulfonate)) (PSBP) block, featuring an upper critical solution temperature transition in aqueous media but being insoluble in acetone, and a nonionic poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) block, featuring a lower critical solution temperature transition in water, while being soluble in acetone. Homogeneous DBC films of 50-100 nm thickness are first swollen in saturated water vapor (H₂O or D₂O), before they are subjected to a contraction process by exposure to mixed saturated water/acetone vapor (H₂O or D₂O/acetone-d6 = 9:1 v/v). The affinity of the DBC film toward H₂O is stronger than for D₂O, as inferred from the higher film thickness in the swollen state and the higher absorbed water content, thus revealing a pronounced isotope sensitivity. During the co-solvent-induced switching by mixed water/acetone vapor, a two-step film contraction is observed, which is attributed to the delayed expulsion of water molecules and uptake of acetone molecules. The swelling kinetics are compared for both mixed vapors (H₂O/acetone-d6 and D₂O/acetone-d6) and with those of the related homopolymer films. Moreover, the concomitant variations of the local environment around the hydrophilic groups located in the PSBP and PNIPMAM blocks are followed. The first contraction step turns out to be dominated by the behavior of the PSBP block, whereas the second one is dominated by the PNIPMAM block. The unusual swelling and contraction behavior of the latter block is attributed to its co-nonsolvency behavior. Furthermore, we observe cooperative hydration effects in the DBC films, that is, both polymer blocks influence each other's solvation behavior.

Salt-Dependent Phase Transition Behavior of Doubly Thermoresponsive Poly(sulfobetaine)-Based Diblock Copolymer Thin Films

The water vapor-induced swelling, as well as subsequent phase-transition kinetics, of thin films of a diblock copolymer (DBC) loaded with different amounts of the salt NaBr, is investigated in situ. In dilute aqueous solution, the DBC features an orthogonally thermoresponsive behavior. It consists of a zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine) block, namely, poly(4-(N-(3'-methacrylamidopropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonio) butane-1-sulfonate) (PSBP), showing an upper critical solution temperature, and a nonionic block, namely, poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM), exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. The swelling kinetics in D₂O vapor at 15 °C and the phase transition kinetics upon heating the swollen film to 60 °C and cooling back to 15 °C are followed with simultaneous time-of-flight neutron reflectometry and spectral reflectance measurements. These are complemented by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The collapse temperature of PNIPMAM and the swelling temperature of PSBP are found at lower temperatures than in aqueous solution, which is attributed to the high polymer concentration in the thin-film geometry. Upon inclusion of sub-stoichiometric amounts (relative to the monomer units) of NaBr in the films, the water incorporation is significantly increased. This increase is mainly attributed to a salting-in effect on the zwitterionic PSBP block. Whereas the addition of NaBr notably shifts the swelling temperature of PSBP to lower temperatures, the collapse temperature of PNIPMAM remains unaffected by the presence of salt in the films.

Flexible Sample Environment for the Investigation of Soft Matter at the European Spallation Source: Part II—The GISANS Setup

The FlexiProb project is a joint effort of three soft matter groups at the Universities of Bielefeld, Darmstadt, and Munich with scientific support from the European Spallation Source (ESS), the small-K advanced diffractometer (SKADI) beamline development group of the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), and the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ). Within this framework, a flexible and quickly interchangeable sample carrier system for small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) at the ESS was developed. In the present contribution, the development of a sample environment for the investigation of soft matter thin films with grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) is introduced. Therefore, components were assembled on an optical breadboard for the measurement of thin film samples under controlled ambient conditions, with adjustable temperature and humidity, as well as the optional in situ recording of the film thickness via spectral reflectance. Samples were placed in a 3D-printed spherical humidity metal chamber, which enabled the accurate control of experimental conditions via water-heated channels within its walls. A separately heated gas flow stream supplied an adjustable flow of dry or saturated solvent vapor. First test experiments proved the concept of the setup and respective component functionality.

3D printed spherical environmental chamber for neutron reflectometry and grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering experiments

In neutron scattering on soft matter, an important concern is the control and stability of environmental conditions surrounding the sample. Complex sample environment setups are often expensive to fabricate or simply not achievable by conventional workshop manufacturing. We make use of state-of-the-art 3D metal-printing technology to realize a sample environment for large sample sizes, optimized for investigations on thin film samples with neutron reflectometry (NR) and grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS). With the flexibility and freedom of design given by 3D metal-printing, a spherical chamber with fluidic channels inside its walls is printed from an AlSi10Mg powder via selective laser melting (SLM). The thin channels ensure a homogeneous heating of the sample environment from all directions and allow for quick temperature switches in well-equilibrated atmospheres. In order to optimize the channel layout, flow simulations were carried out and verified in temperature switching tests. The spherical, edgeless design aids the prevention of condensation inside the chamber in case of high humidity conditions. The large volume of the sample chamber allows for high flexibility in sample size and geometry. While a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurement through the chamber walls reveals a strong isotropic scattering signal resulting from the evenly orientated granular structure introduced by SLM, a second SANS measurement through the windows shows no additional background originating from the chamber. Exemplary GISANS and NR measurements in time-of-flight mode are shown to prove that the chamber provides a stable, background free sample environment for the investigation of thin films.