Visualization of electron beam-induced desintering of nanostructured ceramics at the atomic scale

Author(s)

Fiuza, Tanna E. R. ; Focassio, Bruno ; Bettini, Jefferson ; Schleder, Gabriel R. ; Rodrigues, Murillo H. M. ; Souza Junior, Joao B. ; Fazzio, Adalberto ; Capaz, Rodrigo B. ; Leite, Edson R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE; v. 5, n. 2, p. 14-pg., 2024-02-21.

Abstract

Mass diffusion and local tensile stress associated with electron beam irradiation can favor the desintering process. Here, we report the electron beam -induced desintering of ZrO2 thin films at the atomic scale with unprecedented spatial resolution using high -resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our results confirm earlier works in which desintering is driven by tensile stress acting on the bridge if an external stimulus, such as irradiation, triggers atom mobility. Additionally, we find departures from classical microscopic descriptions: a very stable nanobridge is formed and evolves until rupture with a constant dihedral angle instead of a brittle rupture. An adapted model for desintering at the nanoscale is proposed using the experimental findings. This work provides insights that may improve the knowledge of the rupture of ceramic materials at the nano and atomic scales, contributing to a better knowledge of materials' behavior. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/04527-0 - Interface between crystalline topological insulators and 2D-trivial materials: defect proximity study
• Grantee: Bruno Focassio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/06257-7 - Atomic Resolution in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Grantee: Adalberto Fazzio
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil
• 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
• FAPESP's process: 21/10672-2 - Correlating catalysis and self-healing in ceramics: Investigating metal mobility on ZrO2 thin-films by in-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy at the atomic scale
• Grantee: Tanna Elyn Rodrigues Fiuza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties
• Grantee: Adalberto Fazzio
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/18139-6 - Machine learning for Materials Science: 2D materials discovery and design
• Grantee: Gabriel Ravanhani Schleder
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate