Kirkendall Effect-Driven Reversible Chemical Transformation for Reconfigurable Nanocrystals
Hou-Ming Xu1, Chao Gu2, Gang Wang3
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Reaction Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|October 25, 2024
Summary
This study extends the Kirkendall effect for nanocrystal synthesis, enabling reversible transformations between metal chalcogenides and metal phosphides. This process allows for novel solid-to-hollow-to-solid structural evolution in nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- The Kirkendall effect is a key method for synthesizing hollow nanocrystals (NCs).
- Current methods are limited in material scope, structural complexity, and transformation types.
- Transformations beyond solid-to-hollow structures are needed for advanced nanomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the Kirkendall effect for reversible structural and phase transformations.
- To create novel nanomaterials with tunable properties through controlled transformations.
- To develop a robust platform for reconfigurable nanocrystal synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Ni3S4/Cu1.94S nanocrystals as initial frameworks.
- Employed ligand-regulated sequential anion extraction and diffusion (S2-/P3-).
- Investigated transformations between metal chalcogenides (MCs) and metal phosphides (MPs).
Main Results:
- Achieved solid-to-hollow-to-solid structural motif evolution while preserving NC morphology.
- Demonstrated reversible phase transformations between metastable MCs and MPs.
- Identified ligand-dependent kinetics and anion mixing as key control mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The extended Kirkendall effect enables unprecedented structural and phase reconfigurability in NCs.
- This strategy allows for the creation of diverse nanocrystal libraries with tailored compositions and interfaces.
- The findings open new avenues for designing advanced functional nanomaterials.
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