Activation volumes for solid-solid transformations in nanocrystals

Nanomaterials under high-pressure

The use of high-pressure for the study and elaboration of homogeneous nanostructures is critically reviewed. Size effects, the interaction between nanostructures and guest species or the interaction of the nanosystem with the pressure transmitting medium are emphasized. Phase diagrams and the possibilities opened by the combination of pressure and temperature for the elaboration of new nanomaterials is underlined through the examination of three different systems: nanocrystals, nano-cage materials which include fullerites and group-14 clathrates, and single wall nanotubes. This tutorial review is addressed to scientist seeking an introduction or a panoramic view of the study of nanomaterials under high-pressure.

Surface Diffusion and Coalescence of Mobile Metal Nanoparticles

The diffusion and coalescence of metal nanoparticles play important roles in many phenomena. Here, we offer a new integrated overview of the main factors that control the nanoparticle coalescence process. Three factors are considered in our description of the coalescence process: nanoparticle diffusion across the surface, their physical and thermodynamic properties, and the mechanism of coalescence. We demonstrate that the liquid-like properties of the surface layers of the nanoparticles play an essential role in this process. We present experimental evidence for our opinion, based on the high-resolution electron microscopic analysis of several different types of nanoparticles.

Generalized and facile synthesis of semiconducting metal sulfide nanocrystals

We report on the synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals of PbS, ZnS, CdS, and MnS through a facile and inexpensive synthetic process. Metal-oleylamine complexes, which were obtained from the reaction of metal chloride and oleylamine, were mixed with sulfur. The reaction mixture was heated under appropriate experimental conditions to produce metal sulfide nanocrystals. Uniform cube-shaped PbS nanocrystals with particle sizes of 6, 8, 9, and 13 nm were synthesized. The particle size was controlled by changing the relative amount of PbCl(2) and sulfur. Uniform 11 nm sized spherical ZnS nanocrystals were synthesized from the reaction of zinc chloride and sulfur, followed by one cycle of size-selective precipitation. CdS nanocrystals that consist of rods, bipods, and tripods were synthesized from a reaction mixture containing a 1:6 molar ratio of cadmium to sulfur. Spherical CdS nanocrystals (5.1 nm sized) were obtained from a reaction mixture with a cadmium to sulfur molar ratio of 2:1. MnS nanocrystals with various sizes and shapes were synthesized from the reaction of MnCl(2) and sulfur in oleylamine. Rod-shaped MnS nanocrystals with an average size of 20 nm (thickness) x 37 nm (length) were synthesized from a 1:1 molar ratio of MnCl(2) and sulfur at 240 degrees C. Novel bullet-shaped MnS nanocrystals with an average size of 17 nm (thickness) x 44 nm (length) were synthesized from the reaction of 4 mmol of MnCl(2) and 2 mmol of sulfur at 280 degrees C for 2 h. Shorter bullet-shaped MnS nanocrystals were synthesized from a 3:1 molar ratio of MnCl(2) and sulfur. Hexagon-shaped MnS nanocrystals were also obtained. All of the synthesized nanocrystals were highly crystalline.