In situ SAXS investigations into growth of pyrolytic silica

Structural determination of disordered structures in ramified aggregates is challenging. The topological quantification of such nanomaterials is important in understanding their growth and properties. Small-angle scattering of x-rays from aggregates can provide unique quantitative information. Recently, a method has been developed for the quantification of topology in aggregated material using SAXS. It is applied to in situ measurements of a flame aerosol as a function of height above the burner. The details of the 3-step growth of primary and fractal aggregate structures will be presented.