Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Evolution of Oxyhalide Crystals under Electron Beam Irradiation: An in Situ Method To Understand the Origin of
Sujuan Wu1,2,3, Jianguo Sun1,2, Shi-Ze Yang3
1College of Materials Science and Engineering , Chongqing University , Chongqing 400044 , People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The oxyhalides have attracted growing interest because of their excellent photocatalytic performance. However, their structural instability hampers further development toward practical applications, a major challenge of current concerns. It is appealing to figure out the origin of structural instability and guide the design of advanced oxyhalide crystals for efficient photocatalysis. In this study, the decomposition of BiOCl crystals, a typical oxyhalide, is triggered by electron beam irradiation and investigated in situ by transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the instability originates from the unique layered structure of BiOCl crystals; the interlayer van der Waals bonds are easily broken under electron beam irradiation via the assistance of hydroxyl groups. This facilitates the formation of O/Cl-deficient BiO1- xCl1- y species, Bi metal nanoparticles, and nanobubbles (gaseous substance) that are confined between the adjacent layers. Surface reconstruction would be an effective way to stabilize the oxyhalide crystals.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:42Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
02:28Electronic Structure of Atoms
An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum...
01:54Convergent Evolution
02:58Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
02:17Microtubule Instability