Operando 3D imaging of defects dynamics of twinned-nanocrystal during catalysis

UsingoperandoBragg coherent x-ray diffraction imaging, we visualised three-dimensionally a single twinned-gold nanocrystal during the CO oxidation reaction. We describe the defect dynamics process occurring under operating conditions and indicate the correlation between the nucleation of highly strained regions at the surface of the nanocrystal and its catalytic activity. Understanding the twinning deformation mechanism sheds light on the creation of active sites, and could well contribute to the understanding of the catalytic behaviour of other catalysts. With the start-up of 4th generation synchrotron sources, we anticipate that coherent hard x-ray diffraction imaging techniques will play a major role in imagingin situchemical processes.

Three-dimensional imaging of mitochondrial cristae complexity using cryo-soft X-ray tomography

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that change morphology to adapt to cellular energetic demands under both physiological and stress conditions. Cardiomyopathies and neuronal disorders are associated with structure-related dysfunction in mitochondria, but three-dimensional characterizations of the organelles are still lacking. In this study, we combined high-resolution imaging and 3D electron density information provided by cryo-soft X-ray tomography to characterize mitochondria cristae morphology isolated from murine. Using the linear attenuation coefficient, the mitochondria were identified (0.247 ± 0.04 µm-1) presenting average dimensions of 0.90 ± 0.20 µm in length and 0.63 ± 0.12 µm in width. The internal mitochondria structure was successfully identified by reaching up the limit of spatial resolution of 35 nm. The internal mitochondrial membranes invagination (cristae) complexity was calculated by the mitochondrial complexity index (MCI) providing quantitative and morphological information of mitochondria larger than 0.90 mm in length. The segmentation to visualize the cristae invaginations into the mitochondrial matrix was possible in mitochondria with MCI ≥ 7. Altogether, we demonstrated that the MCI is a valuable quantitative morphological parameter to evaluate cristae modelling and can be applied to compare healthy and disease state associated to mitochondria morphology.

Three-dimensional strain dynamics govern the hysteresis in heterogeneous catalysis

Understanding catalysts strain dynamic behaviours is crucial for the development of cost-effective, efficient, stable and long-lasting catalysts. Here, we reveal in situ three-dimensional strain evolution of single gold nanocrystals during a catalytic CO oxidation reaction under operando conditions with coherent X-ray diffractive imaging. We report direct observation of anisotropic strain dynamics at the nanoscale, where identically crystallographically-oriented facets are qualitatively differently affected by strain leading to preferential active sites formation. Interestingly, the single nanoparticle elastic energy landscape, which we map with attojoule precision, depends on heating versus cooling cycles. The hysteresis observed at the single particle level is following the normal/inverse hysteresis loops of the catalytic performances. This approach opens a powerful avenue for studying, at the single particle level, catalytic nanomaterials and deactivation processes under operando conditions that will enable profound insights into nanoscale catalytic mechanisms.

Correlations between lignin content and structural robustness in plants revealed by X-ray ptychography

Lignin is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer responsible for cell wall stiffness and protection from pathogen attack. However, lignin represents a bottleneck to biomass degradation due to its recalcitrance related to the natural cell wall resistance to release sugars for fermentation or further processing. A biological approach involving genetics and molecular biology was used to disrupt lignin pathway synthesis and decrease lignin deposition. Here, we imaged three-dimensional fragments of the petioles of wild type and C4H lignin mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants by synchrotron cryo-ptychography. The three-dimensional images revealed the heterogeneity of vessels, parenchyma, and fibre cell wall morphologies, highlighting the relation between disturbed lignin deposition and vessel implosion (cell collapsing and obstruction of water flow). We introduce a new parameter to accurately define cell implosion conditions in plants, and we demonstrate how cryo-ptychographic X-ray computed tomography (cryo-PXCT) provides new insights for plant imaging in three dimensions to understand physiological processes.

In situ three-dimensional imaging of strain in gold nanocrystals during catalytic oxidation

The chemical properties of materials are dependent on dynamic changes in their three-dimensional (3D) structure as well as on the reactive environment. We report an in situ 3D imaging study of defect dynamics of a single gold nanocrystal. Our findings offer an insight into its dynamic nanostructure and unravel the formation of a nanotwin network under CO oxidation conditions. In situ/operando defect dynamics imaging paves the way to elucidate chemical processes at the single nano-object level towards defect-engineered nanomaterials.

Carboxyl-functionalized nanochannels based on block copolymer hierarchical structures

When building artificial nanochannels, having a scalable robust platform with controlled morphology is important, as well as having the option for final functionalization of the channels for the selective transport of water and proteins. We have previously developed asymmetric membranes that have a surface layer of very sharp pore size distribution, surface charge and pore functionalization. Here, a more complex bioinspired platform is reported. Hierarchical isotropic porous structures with spherical micrometer-sized cavities, interconnected by hexagonally ordered nanochannels, were prepared based on the phase separation of polystyrene-b-poly(t-butyl acrylate) block copolymers, following a nucleation and growth mechanism. The structure was imaged by scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated a high density of ordered nanochannels. The hexagonal order formed by the self-assembly in solution was confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. The structure evolution was investigated by time-resolved grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. The assembled hydrophobic hierarchical structure was then converted to a hydrophilic structure by acid hydrolysis, leading to nanochannels covered by carboxylic groups and therefore convenient for water transport.

Supramolecular poly(acrylic acid)/F127 hydrogel with hydration-controlled nitric oxide release for enhancing wound healing

Topical nitric oxide (NO) delivery has been shown to accelerate wound healing. However, delivering NO to wounds at appropriate rates and doses requires new biomaterial-based strategies. Here, we describe the development of supramolecular interpolymer complex hydrogels comprising PEO-PPO-PEO (F127) micelles embedded in a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) matrix, with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) molecules dissolved in the hydrophilic domain. We show that PAA:F127/GSNO hydrogels start releasing NO upon hydration at rates controlled by their rates of water absorption. SAXS measurements indicate that the supramolecular structure of the hydrogels retains long-range order domains of F127 micelles. The PAA/F1227 hydrogels displayed dense morphologies and reduced rates of hydration. The NO release rates remain constant over the first 200 min, are directly correlated with the hydration rates of the PAA:F127/GSNO hydrogels, and can be modulated in the range of 40 nmol/g h to 1.5 μmol/g h by changing the PAA:F127 mass ratio. Long-term NO-release profiles over 5 days are governed by the first-order exponential decay of GSNO, with half-lives in the range of 0.5-3.4 days. A preliminary in vivo study on full-thickness excisional wounds in mice showed that topical NO release from the PAA:F127/GSNO hydrogels is triggered by exudate absorption and leads to increased angiogenesis and collagen fiber organization, as well as TGF-β, IGF-1, SDF-1, and IL-10 gene expressions in the cicatricial tissue. In summary, these results suggest that hydration-controlled NO release from topical PAA:F127/GSNO hydrogels is a potential strategy for enhancing wound healing.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The topical delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to wounds may provide significant beneficial results and represent a promising strategy to treat chronic wounds. However, wound dressings capable of releasing NO after application and allowing the modulation of NO release rates, demand new platforms. Here, we describe a novel strategy to overcome these challenges, based on the use of supramolecular poly(acrylic acid) (PAA):F127 hydrogels charged with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) from whereby the NO release can be triggered by exudate absorption and delivered to the wound at rates controlled by the PAA:F127 mass ratio. Preliminary in vivo results offer a proof of concept for this strategy by demonstrating increased angiogenesis; collagen fibers organization; and TGF-β, IGF-1, SDF-1, and IL-10 gene expressions in the cicatricial tissue after topical treatment with a PAA:F127/GSNO hydrogel.

The Critical Role of Thioacetamide Concentration in the Formation of ZnO/ZnS Heterostructures by Sol-Gel Process

ZnO/ZnS heterostructures have emerged as an attractive approach for tailoring the properties of particles comprising these semiconductors. They can be synthesized using low temperature sol-gel routes. The present work yields insight into the mechanisms involved in the formation of ZnO/ZnS nanostructures. ZnO colloidal suspensions, prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of a Zn acetate precursor solution, were allowed to react with an ethanolic thioacetamide solution (TAA) as sulfur source. The reactions were monitored in situ by Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and UV-vis spectroscopy, and the final colloidal suspensions were characterized by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The powders extracted at the end of the reactions were analyzed by X-ray Absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Depending on TAA concentration, different nanostructures were revealed. ZnO and ZnS phases were mainly obtained at low and high TAA concentrations, respectively. At intermediate TAA concentrations, we evidenced the formation of ZnO/ZnS heterostructures. ZnS formation could take place via direct crystal growth involving Zn ions remaining in solution and S ions provided by TAA and/or chemical conversion of ZnO to ZnS. The combination of all the characterization techniques was crucial to elucidate the reaction steps and the nature of the final products.

The coherent radiation fraction of low-emittance synchrotrons

In this work the coherence properties of the synchrotron radiation beam from an X-ray undulator in a fourth-generation storage ring are analyzed. A slightly focused X-ray beam is simulated using a wavefront propagation through a non-redundant array of slits and the mutual coherence function is directly obtained and compared with the Gaussian-Schell approximation. The numerical wave propagation and the approximate analytical approaches are shown to agree qualitatively, and it is also shown that, when the coherent fraction is selected by a finite aperture before the focusing element, even achromatic focusing systems like total reflection mirrors become slightly chromatic. This effect is also well accounted for in the Gaussian-Schell model. The wavefront propagation simulation through the non-redundant array was repeated with an imperfect mirror demonstrating that, although the wavefront is distorted, its coherent length is practically unchanged.

Outset of the Morphology of Nanostructured Silica Particles during Nucleation Followed by Ultrasmall-Angle X-ray Scattering

Nucleation and growth of SBA-15 silica nanostructured particles with well-defined morphologies has been followed with time by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), using synchrotron radiation. Three different morphologies have been compared: platelets, toroids, and rods. SEM observations of the particles confirm that two key physical parameters control the morphology: the temperature and the stirring of the solution. USAXS curves demonstrate that primary particles with a defined shape are present very early in the reaction mixture, immediately after a very fast nucleation step. This nucleation step is detected at 10 min (56 °C) or 15 min (50 °C) after the addition of the silica precursor. The main finding is that the USAXS signal is different for each type of morphology, and we demonstrate that the difference is related to the shape of the particles, showing characteristic form factors for the different morphologies (platelet, toroid, and rod). Moreover, the size of the mesocrystal domains is correlated directly with the particle dimensions and shape. When stirred, aggregation between primary particles is detected even after 12 min (56 °C). The platelet morphology is promoted by constant stirring of the solution, through an oriented aggregation step between primary particles. In contrast, toroids and rods are only stabilized under static conditions. However, for toroids, aggregation is detected almost immediately after nucleation.

Interplay between polymer chain conformation and nanoparticle assembly in model industrial silica/rubber nanocomposites

The question of the influence of nanoparticles (NPs) on chain dimensions in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) has been treated mainly through the fundamental way using theoretical or simulation tools and experiments on well-defined model PNCs. Here we present the first experimental study on the influence of NPs on the polymer chain conformation for PNCs designed to be as close as possible to industrial systems employed in the tire industry. PNCs are silica nanoparticles dispersed in a styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR) matrix whose NP dispersion can be managed by NP loading with interfacial coatings or coupling additives usually employed in the manufacturing mixing process. We associated specific chain (d) labeling, and the so-called zero average contrast (ZAC) method, with SANS, in situ SANS and SAXS/TEM experiments to extract the polymer chain scattering signal at rest for non-cross linked and under stretching for cross-linked PNCs. NP loading, individual clusters or connected networks, as well as the influence of the type, the quantity of interfacial agent and the influence of the elongation rate have been evaluated on the chain conformation and on its related deformation. We clearly distinguish the situations where the silica is perfectly matched from those with unperfected matching by direct comparison of SANS and SAXS structure factors. Whatever the silica matching situation, the additive type and quantity and the filler content, there is no significant change in the polymer dimension for NP loading up to 15% v/v within a range of 5%. One can see an extra scattering contribution at low Q, as often encountered, enhanced for non-perfect silica matching but also visible for perfect filler matching. This contribution can be qualitatively attributed to specific h or d chain adsorption on the NP surface inside the NP cluster that modifies the average scattering neutron contrast of the silica cluster. Under elongation, NPs act as additional cross-linking junctions preventing chain relaxation and giving a deformation of the chain with the NP closer to a theoretical phantom network prediction than a pure matrix.

Detective quantum efficiency for photon-counting hybrid pixel detectors in the tender X-ray domain: application to Medipix3RX

Synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray imaging techniques using tender X-rays are facing a growing demand, in particular to probe the K absorption edges of low-Z elements. Here, a mathematical model has been developed for estimating the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) at zero spatial frequency in the tender X-ray energy range for photon-counting detectors by taking into account the influence of electronic noise. The experiments were carried out with a Medipix3RX ASIC bump-bonded to a 300 µm silicon sensor at the Soft X-ray Spectroscopy beamline (D04A-SXS) of the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS, Campinas, Brazil). The results show that Medipix3RX can be used to develop new imaging modalities in the tender X-ray range for energies down to 2 keV. The efficiency and optimal DQE depend on the energy and flux of the photons. The optimal DQE values were found in the 7.9-8.6 keV photon energy range. The DQE deterioration for higher energies due to the lower absorption efficiency of the sensor and for lower energies due to the electronic noise has been quantified. The DQE for 3 keV photons and 1 × 10(4) photons pixel(-1) s(-1) is similar to that obtained with 19 keV photons. Based on our model, the use of Medipix3RX could be extended down to 2 keV which is crucial for coming applications in imaging techniques at modern synchrotron sources.

Atomic view of the histidine environment stabilizing higher-pH conformations of pH-dependent proteins

External stimuli are powerful tools that naturally control protein assemblies and functions. For example, during viral entry and exit changes in pH are known to trigger large protein conformational changes. However, the molecular features stabilizing the higher pH structures remain unclear. Here we elucidate the conformational change of a self-assembling peptide that forms either small or large nanotubes dependent on the pH. The sub-angstrom high-pH peptide structure reveals a globular conformation stabilized through a strong histidine-serine H-bond and a tight histidine-aromatic packing. Lowering the pH induces histidine protonation, disrupts these interactions and triggers a large change to an extended β-sheet-based conformation. Re-visiting available structures of proteins with pH-dependent conformations reveals both histidine-containing aromatic pockets and histidine-serine proximity as key motifs in higher pH structures. The mechanism discovered in this study may thus be generally used by pH-dependent proteins and opens new prospects in the field of nanomaterials.

In biological systems, large pH-induced conformational changes can be observed in certain proteins, a phenomenon poorly understood at the molecular level. Here the authors describe a peptide with the ability to self-organize into either small or large nanotubes in a pH-dependent manner and detail the mechanism driving the transition.

Self-assembly of polyisoprenoyl gemcitabine conjugates: influence of supramolecular organization on their biological activity

An amphiphilic prodrug of gemcitabine, a cytidine analogue used clinically against various tumors, had been previously synthesized by covalent coupling to squalene, a natural isoprenoid chain. The resulting bioconjugate self-assembled spontaneously in water as nanoparticles, displaying an impressive activity both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the length of the isoprene moiety on the structure of the nanoparticles, in an attempt to establish a relationship between the chemical structure of the prodrug, its supramolecular organization, and its pharmacological activity. Remarkably, gemcitabine-squalene and gemcitabine-5-isoprenes, which differ only in the position of two methyl groups on the hydrophobic chain, displayed different supramolecular organizations and different anticancer activities on some cell lines. This difference in activity was related to the ability of nanoparticles to be internalized by cells.

Growth and self-assembly of ultrathin Au nanowires into expanded hexagonal superlattice studied by in situ SAXS

We report the self-assembly of gold nanowires into hexagonal superlattices in liquid phase followed by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering and give new insights into their growth mechanism. The unprecedented large interwire distance of 8 nm strongly suggests the stabilization of the ultrathin gold nanowires by a ligand's double layer composed of oleylamine and oleylammonium chloride. The one-dimensional growth is discussed, opening perspectives toward the control growth and self-assemblies of metallic nanowires.

In situ probing calcium carbonate formation by combining fast controlled precipitation method and small-angle X-ray scattering

The initial stage of calcium carbonate nucleation and growth, found usually in "natural" precipitation conditions, is still not well understood. The calcium carbonate formation for moderate supersaturation level could be achieved by an original method called the fast controlled precipitation (FCP) method. FCP was coupled with SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) measurements to get insight into the nucleation and growth mechanisms of calcium carbonate particles in Ca(HCO3)2 aqueous solutions. Two size distributions of particles were observed. The particle size evolutions of these two distributions were obtained by analyzing the SAXS data. A nice agreement was obtained between the total volume fractions of CaCO3 obtained by SAXS analysis and by pH-resistivity curve modeling (from FCP tests).

Self-assembly of squalene-based nucleolipids: relating the chemical structure of the bioconjugates to the architecture of the nanoparticles

Squalene-based nucleolipids, including anticancer or antiviral prodrugs, gave rise to nanoparticles displaying a diversity of structures upon nanoprecipitation in water. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and cryo-TEM imaging revealed that both the nature of the nucleoside and the position of the squalene moiety relative to the nucleobase determined the self-assembly of the corresponding bioconjugates. It was found that small chemical differences resulted in major differences in the self-organization of nucleolipids when squalene was grafted onto the nucleobase whereas only lamellar phases were observed when squalene was linked to the sugar moiety. The key role of hydrogen bonds between nucleobases in the formation of the lamellar phases was suggested, in agreement with molecular simulations. These findings provide a way to fine tune the supramolecular organization of squalene-based prodrugs, with the aim of improving their pharmacological activity.

Rheological study of two-dimensional very anisometric colloidal particle suspensions: from shear-induced orientation to viscous dissipation

In the present study, we investigate the evolution with shear of the viscosity of aqueous suspensions of size-selected natural swelling clay minerals for volume fractions extending from isotropic liquids to weak nematic gels. Such suspensions are strongly shear-thinning, a feature that is systematically observed for suspensions of nonspherical particles and that is linked to their orientational properties. We then combined our rheological measurements with small-angle X-ray scattering experiments that, after appropriate treatment, provide the orientational field of the particles. Whatever the clay nature, particle size, and volume fraction, this orientational field was shown to depend only on a nondimensional Péclet number (Pe) defined for one isolated particle as the ratio between hydrodynamic energy and Brownian thermal energy. The measured orientational fields were then directly compared to those obtained for infinitely thin disks through a numerical computation of the Fokker-Plank equation. Even in cases where multiple hydrodynamic interactions dominate, qualitative agreement between both orientational fields is observed, especially at high Péclet number. We have then used an effective approach to assess the viscosity of these suspensions through the definition of an effective volume fraction. Using such an approach, we have been able to transform the relationship between viscosity and volume fraction (ηr = f(φ)) into a relationship that links viscosity with both flow and volume fraction (ηr = f(φ, Pe)).

Experimental observation of double-walled peptide nanotubes and monodispersity modeling of the number of walls

Self-assembled nanoarchitectures based on biological molecules are attractive because of the simplicity and versatility of the building blocks. However, size control is still a challenge. This control is only possible when a given system is deeply understood. Such is the case with the lanreotide acetate, an octapeptide salt that spontaneously forms monodisperse nanotubes when dissolved into pure water. Following a structural approach, we have in the past demonstrated the possibility to tune the diameter of these nanotubes while keeping a strict monodispersity, either by chemical modification of one precise amino acid on the peptide sequence or by changing the size of the counterions. On the basis of these previous studies, we replaced monovalent counterions by divalent ones to vary the number of walls. Indeed, in the present work, we show that lanreotide associated with a divalent counterion forms double-walled nanotubes while keeping the average diameter constant. However, the strict monodispersity of the number of walls was unexpected. We propose that the divalent counterions create an adhesion force that can drive the wall packing. This adhesion force is counterbalanced by a mechanical one that is related to the stiffness of the peptide wall. By taking into account these two opposite forces, we have built a general model that fully explains why the lanreotide nanotubes formed with divalent counterions possess two walls and not more.

Formation of nanostructured silica materials templated with nonionic fluorinated surfactant followed by in situ SAXS

The formation of two-dimensional (2D)-hexagonal (p6m) silica-based hybrid materials from concentrated micellar solutions (10 wt %) of two nonionic fluorinated surfactants, R(7)(F)(EO)(8) and R(8)(F)(EO)(9), is investigated in situ using synchrotron time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The two surfactants form direct micelles with different structures prior to the silica precursor addition as demonstrated by SAXS and SANS. R(8)(F)(EO)(9) gives spherical micelles and R(7)(F)(EO)(8) more complex ones, modeled here as short wormlike micelles. The in situ SAXS experiments reveal that both surfactants form well-ordered 2D-hexagonal hybrid materials after the addition of the silica precursor, in coexistence with an excess of surfactant micelles. The structures of both 2D-hexagonal phases are compared just after precipitation, and it is found that more robust and larger silica walls are formed for R(8)(F)(EO)(9) than for R(7)(F)(EO)(8). This could explain why only the material obtained with R(8)(F)(EO)(9) is stable upon washing, as observed previously. Moreover, it is proposed that in both cases, only a part of the micelles interact with the silica oligomers and undergo structural modifications before forming the 2D-hexagonal mesophase. The obtained results are finally discussed in the more general framework of the templating mechanism for nonionic surfactants.

2D to 3D crossover of the magnetic properties in ordered arrays of iron oxide nanocrystals

The magnetic 2D to 3D crossover behavior of well-ordered arrays of monodomain γ-Fe(2)O(3) spherical nanoparticles with different thicknesses has been investigated by magnetometry and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Using the structural information of the arrays obtained from grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy together with the experimentally determined values for the saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy of the nanoparticles, we show that MC simulations can reproduce the thickness-dependent magnetic behavior. The magnetic dipolar particle interactions induce a ferromagnetic coupling that increases in strength with decreasing thickness of the array. The 2D to 3D transition in the magnetic properties is mainly driven by a change in the orientation of the magnetic vortex states with increasing thickness, becoming more isotropic as the thickness of the array increases. Magnetic anisotropy prevents long-range ferromagnetic order from being established at low temperature and the nanoparticle magnetic moments instead freeze along directions defined by the distribution of easy magnetization directions.

In situ time-resolved SAXS study of the formation of mesostructured organically modified silica through modeling of micelles evolution during surfactant-templated self-assembly

The mechanisms of formation of organically modified (phenyl, vinyl, and methyl) silica materials with cubic Pm3n and hexagonal p6m periodic mesostructures obtained in one step in the presence of the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTA(+)B) surfactant are reported in this study. Understanding the way these complex materials form is difficult but undoubtedly necessary for controlling the material structure and its properties because of the combined presence of surface organic groups and large surface areas. Here, the mechanism of formation is clarified on the basis of the modeling of time-resolved in situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments, with a specific focus on the micelle evolution during material formation. Their fast self-assembly is followed for the first time with a quick temporal resolution of a few seconds using a third-generation synchrotron radiation source. To better understand the behavior of the complex organic-containing mesostructure, we perform a comparative study with the corresponding organo-free, isostructural materials obtained from three different surfactants (CTA(+), CTEA(+), and CTPA(+)) having a constant chain length (C(16)) and an increasing polar head volume (met-, et-, and prop-). Numerical modeling of SAXS data was crucial to highlighting a systematic sphere-to-rod micellar transition, otherwise undetected, before the formation of the 2D hexagonal phase in both organo-free and organo-containing systems. Then, two different pathways were found in the formation of the cubic Pm3n mesostructure: either an ordering transition from concentrated flocs of spherical micelles (from CTEA(+) or CTPA(+)) for pure TEOS systems or a structural transformation from an intermediate 2D hexagonal mesophase in organosilane systems (from CTA(+)). Combining the comparison between organo-free and organo-containing systems with numerical modeling, we find that the hexagonal-to-cubic phase transition in the organically modified materials seems to be strongly influenced not only by the obvious presence of the organic group but also by the quicker and more massive condensation kinetics of silicate oligomers on the CTA(+) micellar surface. Finally, quite unexpectedly, we find a wormlike-to-sphere micellar transition in the CTPA(+) system.

In-situ SAXS study of aqueous clay suspensions submitted to alternating current electric fields

Aqueous colloidal suspensions of clay platelets display a sol/gel transition that is not yet understood. Depending on the nature of the clay, liquid-crystalline behavior may also be observed. For example, the suspensions of beidellite display a nematic phase whereas those of montmorillonite do not. Both beidellite and montmorillonite have a "TOT" structure but the structural electric charge is located in the tetrahedral layer for the former and in the octahedral layer for the latter. We built a setup to perform SAXS experiments on complex fluids submitted to an electric field in situ. We found that the fluid nematic phase of beidellite suspensions readily aligns in the field. However, the field had no influence on the gels, showing that the orientational degrees of freedom of the platelets are effectively frozen. Moreover, strong platelet alignment was induced by the field in the isotropic phase of both clays, in a similar way, regardless of their ability to form a nematic phase. This surprising result would suggest that the orientational degrees of freedom are not directly involved in the sol/gel transition. The ability to induce orientational order in the isotropic phase of clay suspensions can be exploited to prepare materials of controlled anisotropy.

Foam films in the presence of functionalized gold nanoparticles

Dry aqueous foams made of anionic surfactant (SDS) and spherical gold nanoparticles are studied by small angle X-ray scattering and by optical techniques. To obtain stable foams, the surfactant concentration is well above the critical micelle concentration. The specular reflectivity signal obtained on a very thin film (thickness 20 nm) shows that functionalized nanoparticles (17 nm typical size) are trapped within the film in the form of a single monolayer. In order to isolate the film behavior, investigations are made on a single film confined in a tube. The film thinning according to the ratio of functionalized nanoparticle and SDS micelles (1:1, 1:10, 1:100) is mainly governed by the structural arrangement of SDS micelles. In thick films, nanoparticles tend to form aggregates that disappear during drainage. In particular self-organization of nanoparticles (with different surface charge) inside the film is not detected.

Taylor-Couette instability in anisotropic clay suspensions measured using small-angle X-ray scattering

In this Letter, we propose an original and novel experimental method to characterize both the onset and morphology of Taylor-Couette instability occurring in a non-Newtonian cylindrical Couette flow. Using synchrotron-based rheological small angle x-ray scattering experiments, we jointly investigate the shear-thinning behavior of natural swelling clays suspensions and the associated anisotropy developing in such media. Combined with a linear stability analysis for power law fluids, a destabilizing effect is shown both numerically and experimentally and the vortices morphology is found to be dependent on the fluid index. Still, the strong destabilizing effect and large vortex size can not be assigned to shear-thinning only, which clearly evidences the impact of medium anisotropy on Taylor-Couette instability.

Structural role of counterions adsorbed on self-assembled peptide nanotubes

Among noncovalent forces, electrostatic ones are the strongest and possess a rather long-range action. For these reasons, charges and counterions play a prominent role in self-assembly processes in water and therefore in many biological systems. However, the complexity of the biological media often hinders a detailed understanding of all the electrostatic-related events. In this context, we have studied the role of charges and counterions in the self-assembly of lanreotide, a cationic octapeptide. This peptide spontaneously forms monodisperse nanotubes (NTs) above a critical concentration when solubilized in pure water. Free from any screening buffer, we assessed the interactions between the different peptide oligomers and counterions in solutions, above and below the critical assembly concentration. Our results provide explanations for the selection of a dimeric building block instead of a monomeric one. Indeed, the apparent charge of the dimers is lower than that of the monomers because of strong chemisorption. This phenomenon has two consequences: (i) the dimer-dimer interaction is less repulsive than the monomer-monomer one and (ii) the lowered charge of the dimeric building block weakens the electrostatic repulsion from the positively charged NT walls. Moreover, additional counterion condensation (physisorption) occurs on the NT wall. We furthermore show that the counterions interacting with the NTs play a structural role as they tune the NTs diameter. We demonstrate by a simple model that counterions adsorption sites located on the inner face of the NT walls are responsible for this size control.

Rheo-SAXS investigation of shear-thinning behaviour of very anisometric repulsive disc-like clay suspensions

Aqueous suspensions of swelling clay minerals exhibit a rich and complex rheological behaviour. In particular, these repulsive systems display strong shear-thinning at very low volume fractions in both the isotropic and gel states. In this paper, we investigate the evolution with shear of the orientational distribution of aqueous clay suspensions by synchrotron-based rheo-SAXS experiments using a Couette device. Measurements in radial and tangential configurations were carried out for two swelling clay minerals of similar morphology and size, Wyoming montmorillonite and Idaho beidellite. The shear evolution of the small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns displays significantly different features for these two minerals. The detailed analysis of the angular dependence of the SAXS patterns in both directions provides the average Euler angles of the statistical effective particle in the shear plane. We show that for both samples, the average orientation is fully controlled by the local shear stress around the particle. We then apply an effective approach to take into account multiple hydrodynamic interactions in the system. Using such an approach, it is possible to calculate the evolution of viscosity as a function of shear rate from the knowledge of the average orientation of the particles. The viscosity thus recalculated almost perfectly matches the measured values as long as collective effects are not too important in the system.

Rheological behaviour of polyoxometalate-doped lyotropic lamellar phases

We study the influence of nanoparticle doping on the lyotropic liquid crystalline phase of the industrial surfactant Brij®30 (C₁₂E₄) and water, doped with spherical polyoxometalate nanoparticles smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the host lamellar phase. We present viscometry and in situ rheology coupled with small-angle X-ray scattering data that show that, with increasing doping concentration, the nanoparticles act to decrease the shear viscosity of the lamellar phase, and that a shear-induced transition to a multilamellar vesicle "onion" phase is pushed to higher shear rates, and in some cases completely suppressed. X-ray data reveal that the nanoparticles remain encapsulated within the membranes of the vesicles, thus indicating a viable method for the fabrication of nanoparticle incorporating organic vesicles.

Simultaneous birefringence, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering to detect precursors and characterize morphology development during flow-induced crystallization of polymers

An experimental configuration that combines the powerful capabilities of a short-term shearing apparatus with simultaneous optical and X-ray scattering techniques is demonstrated, connecting the earliest events that occur during shear-induced crystallization of a polymer melt with the subsequent kinetics and morphology development. Oriented precursors are at the heart of the great effects that flow can produce on polymer crystallization (strongly enhanced kinetics and formation of highly oriented crystallites), and their creation is highly dependent on material properties and the level of stress applied. The sensitivity of rheo-optics enables the detection of these dilute shear-induced precursors as they form during flow, before X-ray techniques are able to reveal them. Then, as crystallization occurs from these precursors, X-ray scattering allows detailed quantification of the characteristics and kinetics of growth of the crystallites nucleated by the flow-induced precursors. This simultaneous combination of techniques allows unambiguous correlation between the early events that occur during shear and the evolution of crystallization after flow has stopped, eliminating uncertainties that result from the extreme sensitivity of flow-induced crystallization to small changes in the imposed stress and the material. Experimental data on a bimodal blend of isotactic polypropylenes are presented.

Zeolite collapse and polyamorphism

The phenomenology of zeolite collapse is outlined, drawing on recent synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments and computer simulations of low density cage structures like zeolite A and zeolite Y. Attention is drawn to the importance of polyamorphism in destabilizing this type of microporous crystal and its role in order-disorder as well as amorphous-amorphous transitions, together with associated differences in entropy and density between polyamorphic phases and the precursor zeolite. Magic angle spinning NMR and inelastic x-ray scattering are used to highlight changes in structural order and mechanical rigidity between the starting zeolite and the final high density polyamorph. In conclusion, two-level systems detected with inelastic neutron scattering are described and their involvement in dictating the dynamics of the collapse of zeolitic cage structures.

A Combined SAXS/WAXS/XAFS Setup Capable of Observing Concurrent Changes Across the Nano-to-Micrometer Size Range in Inorganic Solid Crystallization Processes

A novel combined SAXS/WAXS/XAFS setup for studying the self-assembly processes occurring during the crystallization of porous materials, such as ZnAlPO-34, is described. In a single experiment, it has been possible to obtain congruent and time-resolved information on aggregation processes in the synthesis gel, the incorporation process of Zn2+ ions in the framework, and the formation of the crystalline material.