Work

Atomic-Scale Imaging of Transformation of Nickel Nanocrystals to Nickel Carbides in Real Time

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Transition of metal-to-metal carbide plays a key role in heterogeneous catalysis. We confined nickel nanocrystals in single-walled carbon nanotubes, stimulated delivery of carbon atoms by the 80 keV electron beam, and imaged the entire carbonization process by time-resolved aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy at the atomic scale. Metal nanocrystal Ni 40 progressively capturing carbon atoms evolved from pure metal to Ni 40 C 20 and then to Ni 40 C 40 . The carbonization is accompanied by changes in the structure of the crystal, including a two-dimensionalization process, at the Ni 40 C 40 stage. This work provides valuable insights into the atomic mechanism of metal carbide formation, which may help to develop stable catalysts and provide a reliable route for synthesizing metal-based two-dimensional materials.

Source: ACS Nano

DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c06292