Comparing the Structure of Microgels at Liquid–Liquid and Solid–Liquid Interfaces

The adsorption of soft microgels at interfaces is a key phenomenon in numerous applications, including emulsification, interfacial stabilization, and responsive coatings. In this work, we employ a combination of in situ atomic force microscopy and numerical simulations to systematically investigate the structural behavior of individual microgels at liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces. By directly comparing their morphology and response to temperature variations, we examine the changes in their overall conformation and the evolution of their internal polymer distribution, uncovering key differences between the two environments. Our results provide detailed insights into the microscopic changes occurring during the adsorption of soft, deformable particles at interfaces, highlighting both new pathways for controlling their interfacial properties and the necessity of advanced characterization techniques to fully capture these complex processes.