Simultaneous thermodynamic and dynamical characterisation using in situ calorimetry with neutron spectroscopy

Abstract

Citation: D Fornalski et al. "Simultaneous thermodynamic and dynamical characterisation using in situ calorimetry with neutron spectroscopy." Low Both Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Quasi-elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) are powerful analytical tools actively used in studies of phase transitions in complex solid and liquid systems. DSC is typically used to map phase transition temperatures and identify sample states, and QENS provides information on the molecular scale dynamical motions, such as molecular self-diffusion or glassy dynamics, associated with such transitions. Both techniques provide highly valuable complementary information about the sample and in many cases it would be advantageous to measure in parallel with a view to linking the two observables. The biggest challenge is that the cell design which differs greatly between the two methods. Here we present a first attempt at designing a cryogenic system which will allow the simultaneous measurement of calorimetric transitions and QENS measurements, as tested on the neutron spectrometer IRIS at ISIS neutron scattering facility. The system temperature range is from 10 K to 300 K. We present and discuss the initial design of the system, preliminary test results, current challenges and limitations, and future directions.

A Vision for the Future of Neutron Scattering and Muon Spectroscopy in the 2050s

“…The implementation of UV−vis spectroscopy on a neutron beamline would be straightforward. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) 74 or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) 75 with QENS is already available at ISIS. Perhaps the most useful One area that will likely see significant growth is that of the use of polarized neutrons.…”

Progress in neutron techniques: towards improved polymer electrolyte membranes for energy devices

“…This combination will enable characterization of the diffusion processes of water molecules confined and partly mobile within a polymer membrane. A similar concept applies to the newly designed sample holders and environments suitable for combined multiple experiments at IRIS (ISIS) [152,153].…”

“…Such a sample holder and investigation geometry would perfectly apply to monitor potential degradation of AEM materials in harsh alkaline environments, while simultaneously studying the polymer/water dynamics. Other opportunities afforded by new sample holders developed at ISIS allow performing simultaneous QENS and DSC measurements [153]. QENS and DSC are complementary techniques applied to map phase transition temperatures and identify sample states.…”