Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
10:52
Conducting Elevated Temperature Normal and Combined Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments Via a Breech-end Sabot Heater System
Published on: August 7, 2018
7.9K
Thermally pressure-induced partial structural phase transitions in core-shell InSb-SiO2 nanoballs/microballs:
Jyh Ming Wu1, Hsiao Jung Huang, Ying Hong Lin
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, 101, section 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
Nanotechnology
|September 12, 2014
Summary
Researchers synthesized core-shell InSb-SiO(2) nanoballs, observing a reversible structural phase transition in indium antimonide (InSb) due to compressive stress from the silica (SiO(2)) shell. This transition occurs at the lowest reported pressure for nanostructured InSb.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Core-shell nanostructures offer unique properties due to interfacial effects.
- Indium antimonide (InSb) is a semiconductor with potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
- Controlling stress in nanomaterials is crucial for tuning their properties and phase behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize core-shell InSb-SiO(2) nanoballs/microballs.
- To investigate the effect of the SiO(2) shell on the structural and phase stability of the InSb core.
- To determine the critical compressive stress for the phase transition in nanostructured InSb.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of InSb-SiO(2) nanoballs/microballs via carbonthermal reactions.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for structural analysis.
- In situ temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase transition monitoring.
- Theoretical calculations to determine thermal expansion coefficients and stress distribution.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of InSb-SiO(2) core-shell nanoballs/microballs on a Si substrate.
- Amorphous SiO(2) shell induced significant compressive stress (∼-94 MPa) in the InSb core due to thermal expansion mismatch.
- Observed a reversible structural phase transition from cubic zinc-blende to hexagonal wurtzite in InSb at 200 °C, driven by compressive stress.
- Identified lattice defects like stacking faults and Moiré fringes in the InSb core.
- Reported the lowest value for pressure-induced phase transition in nanostructured InSb from cubic to hexagonal phase at -94 MPa.
Conclusions:
- The SiO(2) shell effectively constrains the InSb core, inducing significant compressive stress.
- Compressive stress is responsible for the reversible structural phase transition in InSb nanoballs.
- The study establishes a new benchmark for the lowest pressure-induced phase transition in nanostructured InSb.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
16.4K
Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
16.4K
02:31Phase Transitions
19.0K
Whether solid, liquid, or gas, a substance's state depends on the order and arrangement of its particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). Particles in the solid pack closely together, generally in a pattern. The particles vibrate about their fixed positions but do not move or squeeze past their neighbors. In liquids, although the particles are closely spaced, they are randomly arranged. The position of the particles are not fixed—that is, they are free to move past their neighbors to...
19.0K
02:33Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
15.9K
Some solids can transition directly into the gaseous state, bypassing the liquid state, via a process known as sublimation. At room temperature and standard pressure, a piece of dry ice (solid CO2) sublimes, appearing to gradually disappear without ever forming any liquid. Snow and ice sublimate at temperatures below the melting point of water, a slow process that may be accelerated by winds and the reduced atmospheric pressures at high altitudes. When solid iodine is warmed, the solid sublimes...
15.9K
01:29Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Non-Stoichiometric Defects
109
Non-stoichiometric defects refer to a type of defect in the crystal structure of a compound where the ratio of its constituent elements deviates from the ideal stoichiometric ratio. There are two main types of non-stoichiometric defects: metal excess defects and metal deficiency defects.Metal excess defects occur when there is a slight surplus of metal ions than what is required by the stoichiometric ratio of the compound. For example, heating a sodium chloride crystal in sodium vapor results...
109
02:39Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
16.8K
The physical form of a substance changes on changing its temperature. For example, raising the temperature of a liquid causes the liquid to vaporize (convert into vapor). The process is called vaporization—a surface phenomenon. Vaporization occurs when the thermal motion of the molecules overcome the intermolecular forces, and the molecules (at the surface) escape into the gaseous state. When a liquid vaporizes in a closed container, gas molecules cannot escape. As these gas phase...
16.8K