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Trapping shape-controlled nanoparticle nucleation and growth stages via continuous-flow chemistry
Alec P LaGrow1, Tabot M D Besong2, Noktan M AlYami2
1King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia. osman.bakr@kaust.edu.sa and York Nanocentre, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK. alec.lagrow@york.ac.uk.
Continuous flow chemistry precisely tracks platinum-nickel nano-octahedra formation. This method reveals nucleation and growth stages, offering insights into nanoparticle development dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Understanding nanoparticle formation is crucial for developing advanced materials.
- Controlling the nucleation and growth of platinum-nickel nanoparticles is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nucleation and growth stages of platinum-nickel nano-octahedra.
- To probe the properties of these nanoparticles with high temporal resolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing continuous flow chemistry for high-throughput synthesis.
- Achieving second-level time resolution to capture dynamic processes.
- Employing ex situ analysis to characterize nanoparticle properties.
Main Results:
- Nucleation begins with poorly crystalline particles at 5 seconds.
- Crystalline 1.5 nm particles bounded by {111}-facets form by 7.5 seconds.
- Octahedral nanoparticles with truncation are observed at 20 seconds.
Conclusions:
- Continuous flow chemistry enables detailed observation of nanoparticle formation.
- The study elucidates the step-by-step growth mechanism of platinum-nickel nano-octahedra.
- This methodology provides a platform for studying nanoparticle synthesis dynamics.
