Structure Analysis of Adsorption Layers at Air-Liquid, Solid-Liquid, and Liquid-Liquid Interfaces with Neutron Reflectometry

Abstract

Neutron reflectometry is a method to evaluate a depth profile of refraction index by analyzing interference of reflection, which can access a spatial range from a few nm to a few hundred nm. In this review, the principle of the neutron reflectometry is outlined first with an emphasis on the features of neutrons with the prospect of observation of surface excess layers. Next, some actual researches of the surface excess layers at air-liquid, solid-liquid, and liquid-liquid interfaces utilizing the neutron reflectometry are presented.

graphical abstract