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Hierarchical exsolution in vertically aligned heterostructures
Javier Zamudio-García1,2, Francesco Chiabrera3, Armando Morin-Martínez3
1Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark. zamudio@uma.es.
Nature Communications
|October 17, 2024
Summary
Nickel nanoparticle exsolution from oxide hosts is key for energy devices. Vertically aligned nanostructures offer faster diffusion and controlled nanoparticle formation for improved device performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Metal nanoparticle exsolution from oxide hosts is crucial for enhancing energy conversion and storage devices.
- Understanding exsolution mechanisms is vital for optimizing material performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nickel exsolution mechanisms in a vertically aligned nanostructure (VAN) thin film.
- To explore the role of hierarchical architecture in controlling nanoparticle formation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental characterization of heteroepitaxial (Sr0.9Pr0.1)0.9Ti0.9Ni0.1O3-δ-Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 thin films.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
- Kinetic studies at various temperatures and times.
Main Results:
- VANs provide faster and more selective Ni diffusion pathways via vertical interphases compared to bulk diffusion.
- Nanoparticle nucleation occurs at the surface through column phase boundaries.
- Vertical strain is essential for maintaining film microstructure and robust architecture.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchically structured VANs enable controlled metal nanoparticle exsolution.
- This approach offers new avenues for designing efficient energy devices through advanced structural engineering.
