ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Charge distributions in nominally charge-balanced polymer brushes
Abstract: Zwitterionic polymer brushes exhibit exceptional antifouling and hydration properties, making them highly relevant for applications in biocompatible coatings and at biomaterial interfaces. Understanding their structure and interfacial charge behavior under realistic conditions is essential for optimizing performance. Here, we will use simultaneous neutron reflectometry (NR) and in situ electrokinetic measurements to investigate the brush structure and electrostatic response of charge-balanced polymer brushes. The integration of NR with electrokinetic (streaming potential) analysis enables the direct correlation between brush conformation, solvent uptake, and surface charge regulation under varying conditions. Neutron reflectometry provides brush structure, while the electrokinetic data reveal charge distribution and charge regulation. This analysis will rely on models for electrokinetic analysis of soft matter interfaces which are penetrable by the solvent or ions, and which were developed only recently. We also expect that our results can be used to validate and to improve such models. By synchronizing these techniques, we achieve a comprehensive picture of the coupled physicochemical processes governing polyelectrolyte brush behavior. In this experiment we intend to optimize the combined setup and use it to compare zwitterionic and pseudozwitterionic brushes prepared from similar ionizable residues.
Principal Investigator: Dr Thomas Ederth
Experimenter: Mr Mohammad Javad Jafari
Local Contact: Dr Stephen Hall
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610360
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2610360
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610360-1 | OFFSPEC | 12 June 2029 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Dr Thomas Ederth et al; (2026): Charge distributions in nominally charge-balanced polymer brushes, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610360
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
