Determination of the 3D Atomic Structures of Nanoparticles

Abstract

The 3D atomic arrangements of materials determine the free energy landscape, thus governing the physical and catalytic properties of those materials. The 3D structures of nanoparticles can deviate from the periodic atomic arrangement of their bulk counterparts due to the dominance of surface dangling bonds, defects, and dislocations. One approach to understand the structure of nanoparticles and their resulting unique properties involves precise probing of the 3D positions of all constituent atoms of individual nanoparticles. The 3D electron tomography and Brownian one particle reconstruction allow investigation of the 3D atomic positions of nanoparticles. Both methods use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning TEM (STEM) images of nanoparticles with different projection angles and collect their phase information in reciprocal space to reconstruct the 3D structure of the particles. The thus‐reconstructed 3D maps of metal nanoparticles are highly resolved, facilitating the determination of their atomic coordinates. Grain boundary, dislocation, and lattice expansion are observed on the 3D atomic maps. On the basis of the 3D atomic maps, the physical properties of individual nanoparticles can be accurately predicted, enabling purpose‐driven synthesis.

Single‐Atom Fe Catalysts for Fenton‐Like Reactions: Roles of Different N Species

“…The recent development of advanced characterization techniques, including aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HAADF-STEM), scanning tunneling microscopy images, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) curve fitting, and DFT modeling, provide crucial tools for identifying the atomic structure. [31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Meanwhile, tremendous efforts have been devoted to exploring SMSIs in SACs and their relationship with catalytic properties. [38][39][40][41] However, a systematic understanding of SMSIs Recognizing and controlling the structure-activity relationships of singleatom catalysts (SACs) is vital for manipulating their catalytic properties for various practical applications.…”

A Close Look at Molecular Self-Assembly with the Transmission Electron Microscope

“…First, it overcomes the stage rotation limitation and, therefore, removes the missing-wedge artifacts. Second, it allows data acquisition in a period of seconds (compared to minutes and hours for cryoET) . Brownian tomography has many challenges including the development of sample preparation methods where particle rotation is controlled and also quantifying electron-sample interactions.…”

“…Second, it allows data acquisition in a period of seconds (compared to minutes and hours for cryoET). 193 Brownian tomography has many challenges including the development of sample preparation methods where particle rotation is controlled and also quantifying electron-sample interactions. However, continued development of this method could enable self-assembly mechanisms of unique 3D objects to be studied with nanometer or even atomic resolution.…”

Three-Dimensional Analyses Of Geological Materials On Nanoscale By Electron Tomography

“…Although the first application of tomography was in astronomy, and ET has been well developed as an advanced technology with angstrom-level resolution using modern TEM systems, 15 this technique is largely overlooked by the earth and planetary science community. Only a few recent studies have employed ET for research in the field of earth and planetary science (e.g., Refs.…”