# Using in-situ small-angle scattering to reveal the structure and dynamics of supramolecular polymers

## TL;DR

This paper explains how small-angle scattering can be used to study the structure and behavior of supramolecular polymers in real time.

## Contribution

The paper introduces SAS as a valuable tool for in-situ and dynamic analysis of supramolecular polymers.

## Key findings

- SAS allows in-situ measurement of supramolecular polymer assemblies in solution.
- Time-resolved SAS experiments can monitor triggered changes in supramolecular polymers.
- SAS complements other techniques with statistically significant and dynamic analysis.

## Abstract

Small-angle scattering (SAS) is widely applied to nanoscale soft and hard material systems but has found limited use in the emerging field of supramolecular polymers (SPs). Key benefits to the field include in-situ measurement of SP assemblies in solution and the monitoring of triggered changes in real time. Here we summarise SAS basics and offer advice on the application of SAS to SP systems. To demonstrate applicability and show the capability of more advanced contrast-variation and time-resolved measurements, various successful SAS experiments on SP systems are highlighted. With a flexible sample environment allowing SAS measurement concurrent with other advanced techniques, plus ever-improving access to high quality data and analysis approaches, we conclude that SAS should be a more routine component in the toolbox of SP researchers.

Small-angle scattering is widely applied to nanoscale material systems enabling in-situ measurements, statistically significant analysis and the study of stimuli dependent dynamic changes. Here, the authors show how small-angle scattering techniques can be applied to the characterization of supramolecular polymers and complement other routinely used techniques.