Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Restructuring of cobalt nanoparticles induced by formation and diffusion of monodisperse metal-sulfur complexes
J Kibsgaard1, K Morgenstern, E Laegsgaard
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Abstract:
Time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to investigate a massive sulfur-induced transformation of a homogeneous array of approximately 2 nm Co nanoparticles into a new cobalt sulfide phase. The underlying atomistic mass-transport process is revealed and, surprisingly, found to be mediated exclusively by the formation and detachment of monosized Co3S4 complexes at the perimeter of the Co nanoparticles. The process is followed by fast diffusion, agglomeration of the complexes, and subsequent crystallization into a cobalt sulfide phase.
Related Concept Videos
Formation of Complex Ions
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.
Valence Bond Theory
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...

