NSRRC Activity Report 2023

S oft matter science is a multidisciplinary field that studies materials displaying properties between liquid and solid. These materials, such as polymers, colloids, and biological substances, play a crucial role in various industrial, biological, and environmental applications. Understanding the structural and dynamic properties of soft matter is essential for optimizing their performance and developing new technologies. Soft matter materials display complex structures and behaviors that demand advanced analytical techniques. Synchrotron X-ray scattering is a powerful method for studying the hierarchical structures of polymers, colloids, and biomolecules. By exploiting the high photon flux and energy resolution of synchrotron X-rays, researchers can probe the arrangement of molecules, crystalline domains, and intermolecular interactions within soft matter materials. This information is crucial for tailoring the properties of soft matter for specific applications. In this section, we present four articles introducing soft matter studies conducted at TPS 13A (Biological Small-angle X-ray Scattering), TLS 23A1 (Small/Wide Angle X-ray Scattering), TLS 01C2 (X-ray Powder Diffraction), and TPS 25A (Coherent X-ray Scattering). We cover a diverse range of topics, including wood structures, perovskite applications, and eco-friendly polymers that can reuse CO 2 , to highlight the versatility of soft matter research carried out using NSRRC beamlines. Utilization of synchrotron radiation in soft matter science reveals new frontiers for researchers, providing unprecedented insights into the structure, dynamics, and functionality of these materials. As advancements in synchrotron facilities continue, the synergy between synchrotron radiation and soft matter research will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations with significant implications across diverse scientific and technological fields. (by Orion Shih) Soft Matter