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Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Gold nanoparticle superlattice crystallization probed in situ.
Benjamin Abécassis1, Fabienne Testard, Olivier Spalla
1LIONS, Service de Chimie Moléculaire, IRAMIS, CEA Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France.
Physical Review Letters
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Three-dimensional superlattices of gold nanoparticles spontaneously form in solution. Their nucleation and growth kinetics are slower than predicted, with initial globular structures coalescing over time.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles exhibit unique properties influenced by their assembly.
- Understanding nanoparticle self-assembly is crucial for developing advanced materials.
- Spontaneous formation of ordered structures is a key area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in situ nucleation and growth of 3D gold nanoparticle superlattices.
- To elucidate the kinetics and structural characteristics of these self-assembled structures.
- To understand the driving forces behind superlattice formation and evolution.
Main Methods:
- In situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to follow superlattice formation.
- Analysis of particle size, assembly kinetics, and structural evolution.
- Characterization of superlattice morphology, internal structure, and volume fraction.
Main Results:
- Superlattices nucleate early and grow slower than predicted by simple diffusion.
- Initial superlattices are globular (170 nm diameter) with low polydispersity.
- FCC structure observed with nanoparticles separated by bilayer, low gold volume fraction (phi SL = 0.33).
- Superlattices undergo coalescence in a later stage.
Conclusions:
- Van der Waals attraction drives superlattice formation when particle size is sufficient.
- Growth kinetics deviate from simple diffusion-controlled mechanisms.
- Superlattices evolve from initial globular structures to larger coalesced assemblies.
