1
|
Hirokawa S, Teshima H, Solís-Fernández P, Ago H, Li QY, Takahashi K. Random but limited pressure of graphene liquid cells. Ultramicroscopy 2023; 250:113747. [PMID: 37104983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Even though many researchers have used graphene liquid cells for atomic-resolution observation of liquid samples in the last decade, no one has yet simultaneously measured their three-dimensional shape and pressure. In this study, we have done so with an atomic force microscope, for cells with base radii of 20-134 nm and height of 3.9-21.2 nm. Their inner pressure ranged from 1.0 to 63 MPa but the maximum value decreased as the base radius increased. We discuss the mechanism that results in this inverse relationship by introducing an adhesive force between the graphene membranes. Also, the sample preparation procedure used in this experiment is highly reproducible and transferable to a wide variety of substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sota Hirokawa
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hideaki Teshima
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Pablo Solís-Fernández
- Global Innovation Center, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ago
- Global Innovation Center, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
| | - Qin-Yi Li
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Koji Takahashi
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Szucs AM, Maddin M, Brien D, Guyett PC, Rodriguez‐Blanco JD. Targeted Crystallization of Rare Earth Carbonate Polymorphs at Hydrothermal Conditions via Mineral Replacement Reactions. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200085. [PMID: 36778783 PMCID: PMC9900722 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between rare earth element (REE)-rich (La, Pr, Nd, Dy) aqueous solutions, dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), and aragonite (CaCO3) at low temperature hydrothermal conditions (25-220 °C) is studied. The experiments result in the solvent-mediated surface precipitation and subsequent pseudomorphic mineral replacement of the dolomite and aragonite seeds by newly formed REE-carbonates. The host grains are replaced from periphery inward. The newly formed REE-bearing carbonates in La-, Pr-, and Nd-doped systems follow the crystallization sequence: lanthanite [REE2(CO3)3·8H2O] → kozoite [orthorhombic REECO3(OH)] → hydroxylbastnasite [hexagonal REECO3(OH)]. The interaction of Dy-bearing solutions with dolomite results only in the crystallization of kozoite [orthorhombic DyCO3(OH)]. However, experiments with aragonite reveal a two-step crystallization pathway: tengerite [Dy2(CO3)3·2-3(H2O)] → kozoite [orthorhombic DyCO3(OH)]. The temperature, the dissolution rate of the host mineral, and the ionic radii of the REE3+ in question are found to control the kinetics of the replacement reaction, the polymorph selection, and the crystallization pathways toward bastnasite. The findings allow to gain a more in-depth understanding of the formation REE-bearing carbonates, particularly the mineral bastnasite, which is the main source of REEs for industry. This knowledge can be used to improve REE separation, exploration, exploitation methods, as well to produce carbonate minerals with tailored structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Maria Szucs
- Department of GeologySchool of Natural SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - Melanie Maddin
- Department of GeologySchool of Natural SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - Daniel Brien
- Department of GeologySchool of Natural SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dachraoui W, Bodnarchuk MI, Erni R. Direct Imaging of the Atomic Mechanisms Governing the Growth and Shape of Bimetallic Pt-Pd Nanocrystals by In Situ Liquid Cell STEM. ACS NANO 2022; 16:14198-14209. [PMID: 36036793 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the atomic mechanisms governing the growth of bimetallic nanoalloys is of great interest for scientists. As a promising material for photocatalysis applications, Pt-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been in the spotlight for many years due to their catalytic performance, which is typically superior to that of pure Pt NPs. In this work, we use in situ liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy to track the exact atomic mechanisms governing the formation of bimetallic Pt-Pd NPs. We find that the formation process of the bimetallic Pt-Pd is divided into three stages. First, the nucleation and growth of ultrasmall primary nanoclusters are formed by the agglomeration of Pt and Pd atoms. Second, the primary nanoclusters are involved in a coalescence process to form two types of bigger agglomerates, namely, amorphous (a-NC) and crystalline (c-NC) nanoclusters. In the third stage, these clusters undergo a coalescence process leading to the formation of Pt-Pd NPs, while, in parallel, monomer attachment continues. We found that the third stage contains three types of coalescence processes, a-NC-a-NC, a-NC-c-NC, and c-NC-c-NC coalescence, which eventually give rise to crystalline bimetallic alloys. However, each type of coalescence gave distinct NPs in terms of shape and defects. Our results thus reveal the exact growth mechanisms of bimetallic alloys on the atomic scale, unravel the origin of their structure, and overall are of key interest to tailor the structure of bimetallic NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walid Dachraoui
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa─Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Maryna I Bodnarchuk
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa─Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Erni
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa─Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dachraoui W, Henninen TR, Keller D, Erni R. Multi-step atomic mechanism of platinum nanocrystals nucleation and growth revealed by in-situ liquid cell STEM. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23965. [PMID: 34907274 PMCID: PMC8671505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03455-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of crystal growth mechanisms has broadened substantially. One significant advancement is based in the conception that the interaction between particles plays an important role in the growth of nanomaterials. This is in contrast to the classical model, which neglects this process. Direct imaging of such processes at atomic-level in liquid-phase is essential for establishing new theoretical models that encompass the full complexity of realistic scenarios and eventually allow for tailoring nanoparticle growth. Here, we investigate at atomic-scale the exact growth mechanisms of platinum nanocrystals from single atom to final crystals by in-situ liquid phase scanning transmission electron microscopy. We show that, after nucleation, the nanocrystals grow via two main stages: atomic attachment in the first stage, where the particles initially grow by attachment of the atoms until depletion of the surrounding zone. Thereafter, follows the second stage of growth, which is based on particle attachment by different atomic pathways to finally form mature nanoparticles. The atomic mechanisms underlying these growth pathways are distinctly different and have different driving forces and kinetics as evidenced by our experimental observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walid Dachraoui
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa--Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Trond R Henninen
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa--Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Debora Keller
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa--Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Erni
- Electron Microscopy Center, Empa--Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kelly DJ, Clark N, Zhou M, Gebauer D, Gorbachev RV, Haigh SJ. In Situ TEM Imaging of Solution-Phase Chemical Reactions Using 2D-Heterostructure Mixing Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2100668. [PMID: 34105199 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy is used to study a wide range of chemical processes, where its unique combination of spatial and temporal resolution provides countless insights into nanoscale reaction dynamics. However, achieving sub-nanometer resolution has proved difficult due to limitations in the current liquid cell designs. Here, a novel experimental platform for in situ mixing using a specially developed 2D heterostructure-based liquid cell is presented. The technique facilitates in situ atomic resolution imaging and elemental analysis, with mixing achieved within the immediate viewing area via controllable nanofracture of an atomically thin separation membrane. This novel technique is used to investigate the time evolution of calcium carbonate synthesis, from the earliest stages of nanodroplet precursors to crystalline calcite in a single experiment. The observations provide the first direct visual confirmation of the recently developed liquid-liquid phase separation theory, while the technological advancements open an avenue for many other studies of early stage solution-phase reactions of great interest for both the exploration of fundamental science and developing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Kelly
- Department of Materials and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Nick Clark
- Department of Materials and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Mingwei Zhou
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Denis Gebauer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roman V Gorbachev
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sarah J Haigh
- Department of Materials and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Park J, Koo K, Noh N, Chang JH, Cheong JY, Dae KS, Park JS, Ji S, Kim ID, Yuk JM. Graphene Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy: Progress, Applications, and Perspectives. ACS NANO 2021; 15:288-308. [PMID: 33395264 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Graphene liquid cell electron microscopy (GLC-EM), a cutting-edge liquid-phase EM technique, has become a powerful tool to directly visualize wet biological samples and the microstructural dynamics of nanomaterials in liquids. GLC uses graphene sheets with a one carbon atom thickness as a viewing window and a liquid container. As a result, GLC facilitates atomic-scale observation while sustaining intact liquids inside an ultra-high-vacuum transmission electron microscopy chamber. Using GLC-EM, diverse scientific results have been recently reported in the material, colloidal, environmental, and life science fields. Here, the developments of GLC fabrications, such as first-generation veil-type cells, second-generation well-type cells, and third-generation liquid-flowing cells, are summarized. Moreover, recent GLC-EM studies on colloidal nanoparticles, battery electrodes, mineralization, and wet biological samples are also highlighted. Finally, the considerations and future opportunities associated with GLC-EM are discussed to offer broad understanding and insight on atomic-resolution imaging in liquid-state dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungjae Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunmo Koo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Namgyu Noh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ha Chang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Cheong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Seong Dae
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Su Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyeon Ji
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Doo Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Yuk
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|