Reverse Monte Carlo analysis of small-angle scattering data on colloids and nanoparticles

Applications of Reverse Monte Carlo-type simulations are summarized for understanding the inter-particle structure of colloids and nanoparticles. Results are shown for simple spherical polymer latex, for micelles and for a catalyst containing nanoparticles. Different methodological extensions of the traditional Reverse Monte Carlo simulations are developed in order to get reliable interpretation of small-angle scattering data and they are compared: the traditional Reverse Monte Carlo technique, a method for polydisperse spheres, a combination of direct minimization and Reverse Monte Carlo procedures, and a method for particles with arbitrary shape and without analytical particle form factor.