Mesoscale Structures Group

Group Leader:
Len Adél
Tel: +(36-1)-392 2222 / 1344
E-mail: len.adel@ek.hun-ren.hu
len.adel@bnc.hu

The main activity of the Mesoscale Structures Group is conducting nano- and microstructural material research, primarily using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Neutron Reflectometry (NR) methods. The group operates two SANS and two NR facilities, which are available to the domestic and international user community through excellence-based proposals:

  • Yellow-Submarine SANS– monochromatic beam SANS instrument
  • FSANS – time-of-flight SANS instrument
  • GINA – neutron reflectometer
  • REF – neutron reflectometer (primarily for industrial use)

The neutrons required for the operation of the instruments are provided by the Budapest Research Reactor. In addition to the large-scale facilities, the group operates an Anton Paar Autosorb 6100 FKM porosimeter and has access to a plant growth chamber with controlled light intensity and temperature for the preparation of biological sample.

Main Research Areas:

  • Synthesis, structural characterization, and adaptation of silicon dioxide-based xerogels and aerogels for various practical applications (e.g., drug delivery, heavy metal adsorption, building insulation);
  • In-vivo study of ultrastructural changes in photosynthetic membrane systems;
  • Investigation of micellar solutions of newly designed surfactants;
  • Study of aqueous solutions of molecular liquids and ionic liquids;
  • Application of scattering methods for the characterization of nanostructured hybrid materials;
  • Study of thin films (neutron supermirrors, magnetic structures and biological membranes) using polarized / non-polarized neutron reflectometry;
  • Investigation of archaeological ceramics using small-angle neutron scattering.

Group Members: