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Updated: May 19, 2026
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Synthesis and Reaction Chemistry of Nanosize Monosodium Titanate
Published on: February 23, 2016
Direct oxygen imaging in titania nanocrystals
Weigang Lu1, Britain Bruner, Gilberto Casillas
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76796, USA.
Nanotechnology
|August 7, 2012
Summary
Researchers directly visualized atomic structures of rutile and anatase nanocrystals using advanced STEM techniques. This study marks the first direct observation of oxygen columns within rutile twin boundaries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Crystallography
Background:
- High-quality rutile twinned nanocrystals, including (101) and (301) twins, were previously synthesized.
- Rutile nanorods are also formed as minor byproducts during synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly resolve the atomic structures of rutile and anatase nanocrystals.
- To determine the precise locations of oxygen rows within rutile twin boundaries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) techniques.
- Employed High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) imaging.
- Used Annular Bright-Field (ABF) imaging.
Main Results:
- Direct atomic structure resolution of rutile and anatase nanocrystals was achieved without computational simulation.
- The locations of oxygen rows in rutile twin boundaries were precisely determined.
- This is the first reported instance of distinguishing oxygen columns in rutile twin boundaries via HAADF and BF imaging.
Conclusions:
- Atomic resolution STEM is a powerful tool for characterizing nanocrystal structures.
- The direct imaging of oxygen columns provides crucial insights into the atomic arrangement at twin boundaries.
- This methodology advances the understanding of nanocrystal interfaces and defect structures.
