The Basic Principle of Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Its Application in Macromolecules

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful tool to characterize multi-scale structures in macromolecules. Deep penetration and H/D isotope labeling make it a unique scattering method. To make it more familiar to the users, basic principle of SANS, instrumentation and experimental skills were firstly demonstrated. Then typical applications in the fields of polymer solution, polymer blends, nanocomposites, crystallization, gels, porous materials and biomacromolecules were introduced. As for the data analysis of complex systems, such as biomacromolecules, in addition to the traditional data analysis methods, advanced methods such as the ab initial analysis and Reverse Monte-Carlo (RMC) simulations provide more detailed information. Combine with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), static light scattering (SLS), electron microscope (EM) et al., SANS enables us to solve the structure and interaction of more complicated systems such as interaction of biomacromolecues and solvation of polymers in mixed solutions. As the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) was officially opened to the users around the world in 2018 and SANS instruments equipped with various sample environments are being built, more opportunities are opened to the SANS communities domestically and abroad.

Automated summary

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful tool for characterizing multi-scale structures in macromolecules, with deep penetration and H/D isotope labeling providing unique scattering capabilities. Understanding the basic principles, instrumentation, experimental skills, and data analysis methods of SANS is crucial for researchers, and the combination of SANS with other scattering techniques can provide detailed information on complex systems. With the opening of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) to users worldwide and the development of SANS instruments with various sample environments, more opportunities are now available for the SANS communities domestically and abroad.