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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Characterization of Nanocrystal Size Distribution using Raman Spectroscopy with a Multi-particle Phonon Confinement Model

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Published on: August 22, 2015

Quantitative Analysis of Size-Dependent Structural Disorder in Ruthenium Nanoparticles by Crystal PDF Full-Space

Satoshi Hiroi^1,2, Hirotaka Ashitani², Okkyun Seo²

¹Faculty of Materials for Energy, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, Japan.

|April 20, 2026

Summary

Ruthenium nanoparticles exhibit size-dependent structural disorders, impacting their catalytic activity. Understanding these atomic-scale defects is key for designing better catalysts.

Keywords:

crystal PDF full‐space refinement extended unit cell pair distribution function point defects stacking fault

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Last Updated: Apr 21, 2026

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Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis

Published on: May 10, 2021

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Catalysis

Background:

Ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles (NPs) are highly valued for their catalytic properties.
Catalytic activity is strongly linked to atomic-scale structural disorder within NPs.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how size influences structural disorders in face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Ruthenium NPs.
To quantify stacking faults and analyze local atomic arrangements.

Main Methods:

Utilized high-energy X-ray total scattering experiments.
Applied pair-distribution-function (PDF)-based structural refinement, specifically crystal PDF full-space refinement.
Employed an extended unit cell (EUC) model to quantify stacking faults.

Main Results:

All Ru NPs displayed mixed stacking sequences of fcc and hcp layers, regardless of nominal phase.
A size-stacking fraction correlation was observed in fcc-based NPs.
Hcp-based NPs showed asymmetry in short-range PDFs, indicating increased point-defect-like coordination losses.

Conclusions:

Local atomic arrangements significantly influence the functionality of Ruthenium NPs.
Crystal PDF full-space refinement is effective for uncovering hidden disorders in nanocrystalline materials.
Findings provide a foundation for rational catalyst design through structural control.