Work

Investigating Charge-Induced Transformations of Metal Nanoparticles in a Radically-Inert Liquid: A Liquid-Cell TEM Study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We present a novel in situ liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) approach to study the behavior of metal nanoparticles under high-energy electron irradiation. By utilizing a radically-inert liquid environment, we aim to minimize radiolysis effects and explore the influence of charge-induced transformations. We observed complex dynamics in nanoparticle behavior, including morphological changes and transitions between amorphous and crystalline states. These transformations are attributed to the delicate interplay between charge accumulation on the nanoparticles and enhanced radiolysis, suggesting a significant role for charge-assisted processes in nanoparticle evolution. Our findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms driving nanoparticle behavior at the nanoscale and demonstrate the potential of liquid-cell TEM for studying complex physicochemical processes in controlled environments.

Source: Nanomaterials

DOI: 10.3390/nano14211709

Authors: Kunmo Koo, Jong Hyeok Seo, Joohyun Lee, Sooheyong Lee, Ji-Hwan Kwon

Institutions: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Korea University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Structural Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,296

Funders: University of Seoul, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science