In situ Transmission Electron Microscopy observation of Ag nanocrystal evolution by surfactant free electron-driven synthesis

Author(s)

Longo, Elson ^[1] ; Avansi, Jr., Waldir ^[2] ; Bettini, Jefferson ^[3] ; Andres, Juan ^[4] ; Gracia, Lourdes ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Chem, R Francisco Degni 55, BR-14800900 Araraquara - Brazil

^[2] UFSCar Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys, Rod Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Brazilian Nanotechnol Natl Lab LNNano, R Guiuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] UJI, Dept Quim Fis & Analit, Av Vicent Sos Baynat S-N, Castellon de La Plana 12071 - Spain

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 6, MAR 16 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 17

Abstract

The study of the interaction of electron irradiation with matter and the response of the material to the passage of electrons is a very challenging problem. However, the growth mechanism observed during nanostructural evolution appears to be a broad and promising scientific field in nanotechnology. We report the in situ TEM study of nanostructural evolution of electron-driven silver (Ag) nanocrystals through an additive-free synthetic procedure. Observations revealed the direct effect of the electron beam on the morphological evolution of Ag nanocrystals through different mechanisms, such as mass transport, site-selective coalescence, and an appropriate structural configuration after coalescence leading to a more stable configuration. A fundamental understanding of the growth and formation mechanisms of Ag nanocrystals, which interact with the electron beam, is essential to improve the nanocrystal shape-control mechanisms as well as the future design and study of nanomaterials. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC