Observing the atomic growth and decomposition of nanocrystals

An international team of researchers has conducted an in situ examination of the growth and decomposition of nanowires. This study sheds light on how atoms are embedded in crystals and removed during decomposition.

Technological breakthroughs in crystal growth have produced tough materials, microprocessors and solar cells. But the field still contains unresolved mysteries. Though the basic principles underlying crystal growth are known, researchers have not yet come to an understanding of how, exactly, atoms behave on the surface of crystals. This knowledge is very important for purposes of creating advanced materials and controlling their growth.

"Newly emerged nanomaterials such as nanowires are considered to be promising materials for high-efficiency electronic devices. They are particularly useful in chemical and biological sensors, solar cells, field emission devices and lasers. Moreover, a nanowire is an example of an elongated crystal. Therefore, it is an ideal object for examining crystal growth," said Dr. Simas Rackauskas of University of Turin.

"In situ electron microscopy allows for the close examination of chemical reactions without disrupting them. Three distinct regimes were experimentally observed: growth, transition and decomposition. The transition regime, which has not been previously identified, marks the change between the growth to decomposition, which, besides the fundamental importance, offers new possibilities for the nanowire manipulation," said Prof. Albert Nasibulin of Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology.

The results of the study were recently published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.

More information:
S. Rackauskas, S. D. Shandakov, H. Jiang, J. B. Wagner and A. G. Nasibulin. Direct observation of nanowire growth and decomposition Scientific Reports 7, 12310 (2017).
doi:10.1038/s41598-017-12381-9

Provided by Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology