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Lyu Z, Yao L, Wang Z, Qian C, Wang Z, Li J, Liu C, Wang Y, Chen Q. Nanoscopic Imaging of Self-Propelled Ultrasmall Catalytic Nanomotors. ACS NANO 2024; 18:14231-14243. [PMID: 38781460 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasmall nanomotors (<100 nm) are highly desirable nanomachines for their size-specific advantages over their larger counterparts in applications spanning nanomedicine, directed assembly, active sensing, and environmental remediation. While there are extensive studies on motors larger than 100 nm, the design and understanding of ultrasmall nanomotors have been scant due to the lack of high-resolution imaging of their propelled motions with orientation and shape details resolved. Here, we report the imaging of the propelled motions of catalytically powered ultrasmall nanomotors─hundreds of them─at the nanometer resolution using liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy. These nanomotors are Pt nanoparticles of asymmetric shapes ("tadpoles" and "boomerangs"), which are colloidally synthesized and observed to be fueled by the catalyzed decomposition of NaBH4 in solution. Statistical analysis of the orientation and position trajectories of fueled and unfueled motors, coupled with finite element simulation, reveals that the shape asymmetry alone is sufficient to induce local chemical concentration gradient and self-diffusiophoresis to act against random Brownian motion. Our work elucidates the colloidal design and fundamental forces involved in the motions of ultrasmall nanomotors, which hold promise as active nanomachines to perform tasks in confined environments such as drug delivery and chemical sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Lyu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Lehan Yao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road ,Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chang Qian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zuochen Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road ,Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana ,Illinois 61801, United States
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2
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Xu B, Meng X, Huang J, Shan Y, Qiu D, Chen Q. Revealing the Heterogeneous Bubble Nucleation at Individual Silica Nanoparticles. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 38319065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Deep understanding of the bubble nucleation process is universally important in systems, from chemical engineering to materials. However, due to its nanoscale and transient nature, effective probing of nucleation behavior with a high spatiotemporal resolution is prohibitively challenging. We previously reported the measurement of a single nanobubble nucleation at a nanoparticle using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, where the bubble nucleation and formation were inferred from the voltammetric responses. Here, we continue the study of heterogeneous bubble nucleation at interfaces by regulating the local nanostructures using silica nanoparticles with a distinct surface morphology. It is demonstrated that, compared to the smooth spherical silica nanoparticles, the raspberry-like nanoparticles can further significantly reduce the nucleation energy barrier, with a critical peak current about 23% of the bare carbon surfaces. This study advances our understanding of how surface nanostructures direct the heterogeneous nucleation process and may offer a new strategy for surface engineering in gas involved energy conversion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xiaohui Meng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yun Shan
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Dong Qiu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qianjin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Eco-Textile, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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Shi M, Min X, Zhang W, Li K, Wu J, Ai Z, Ke Y, Wang Q, Yan X. (Na, Pb)-Jarosite nucleation and growth on anglesite: Implications for inhibition of Pb releasing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165972. [PMID: 37532039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The mobility and bioavailability of Pb can be significantly reduced by Pb-bearing minerals encapsulation in jarosite-group minerals, especially in sulfate-rich environments. However, the kinetic pathways and mechanisms of jarosite-group minerals formations on Pb-bearing mineral surfaces are not well understood. Here, time-resolved heterogeneous (Na, Pb)-jarosite nucleation and growth on anglesite were explored to gain insights into the encapsulation mechanisms. The initial dissolution of anglesite were clearly distinguished, and for the first time, the facet-specific heterogeneous nucleation of (Na, Pb)-jarosite on anglesite was demonstrated. Density functional theory calculations revealed higher adsorption energies and electronic interactions of FeSO4+ complex on anglesite (020), (140), (110) facets, attributed to the preferential nucleation of (Na, Pb)-jarosite on these facets, which resulted in effective passivation of the facets resistant to dissolution. An interpretation was proposed where (Na, Pb)-jarosite grew via a particle-attachment pathway involving the formation of amorphous intermediate, and subsequently, it transformed to the crystalline phase by solid-state conversion. These observations might improve the mechanistic understanding of interface interactions between slightly soluble Pb-bearing minerals and iron minerals, with implications for Pb immobilization in sulfate-rich environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqing Shi
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Xiaobo Min
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Wenchao Zhang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Kaizhong Li
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Zhongbin Ai
- Science Environmental Protection Co. Ltd., Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yong Ke
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Qingwei Wang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China.
| | - Xu Yan
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China.
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4
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Chen A, Dissanayake TU, Sun J, Woehl TJ. Unraveling chemical processes during nanoparticle synthesis with liquid phase electron microscopy and correlative techniques. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12830-12846. [PMID: 37807847 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03723a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) has enabled unprecedented direct real time imaging of physicochemical processes during solution phase synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. LPTEM primarily provides images of nanometer scale, and sometimes atomic scale, metal nanoparticle crystallization processes, but provides little chemical information about organic surface ligands, metal-ligand complexes and reaction intermediates, and redox reactions. Likewise, complex electron beam-solvent interactions during LPTEM make it challenging to pinpoint the chemical processes, some involving exotic highly reactive radicals, impacting nanoparticle formation. Pairing LPTEM with correlative solution synthesis, ex situ chemical analysis, and theoretical modeling represents a powerful approach to gain a holistic understanding of the chemical processes involved in nanoparticle synthesis. In this feature article, we review recent work by our lab and others that has focused on elucidating chemical processes during nanoparticle synthesis using LPTEM and correlative chemical characterization and modeling, including mass and optical spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, solution chemistry, and reaction kinetic modeling. In particular, we show how these approaches enable investigating redox chemistry during LPTEM, polymeric and organic capping ligands, metal deposition mechanisms on plasmonic nanoparticles, metal clusters and complexes, and multimetallic nanoparticle formation. Future avenues of research are discussed, including moving beyond electron beam induced nanoparticle formation by using light and thermal stimuli during LPTEM. We discuss prospects for real time LPTEM imaging and online chemical analysis of reaction intermediates using microfluidic flow reactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Thilini U Dissanayake
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Jiayue Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Taylor J Woehl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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5
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Xu Z, Ou Z. Direct Imaging of the Kinetic Crystallization Pathway: Simulation and Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy Observations. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2026. [PMID: 36903141 PMCID: PMC10004038 DOI: 10.3390/ma16052026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The crystallization of materials from a suspension determines the structure and function of the final product, and numerous pieces of evidence have pointed out that the classical crystallization pathway may not capture the whole picture of the crystallization pathways. However, visualizing the initial nucleation and further growth of a crystal at the nanoscale has been challenging due to the difficulties of imaging individual atoms or nanoparticles during the crystallization process in solution. Recent progress in nanoscale microscopy had tackled this problem by monitoring the dynamic structural evolution of crystallization in a liquid environment. In this review, we summarized several crystallization pathways captured by the liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy technique and compared the observations with computer simulation. Apart from the classical nucleation pathway, we highlight three nonclassical pathways that are both observed in experiments and computer simulations: formation of an amorphous cluster below the critical nucleus size, nucleation of the crystalline phase from an amorphous intermediate, and transition between multiple crystalline structures before achieving the final product. Among these pathways, we also highlight the similarities and differences between the experimental results of the crystallization of single nanocrystals from atoms and the assembly of a colloidal superlattice from a large number of colloidal nanoparticles. By comparing the experimental results with computer simulations, we point out the importance of theory and simulation in developing a mechanistic approach to facilitate the understanding of the crystallization pathway in experimental systems. We also discuss the challenges and future perspectives for investigating the crystallization pathways at the nanoscale with the development of in situ nanoscale imaging techniques and potential applications to the understanding of biomineralization and protein self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangying Xu
- Qian Weichang College, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zihao Ou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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6
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Jadoon S, Schindler M. The role of organic colloids in the sequestration and mobilization of copper in smelter-impacted soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:945-959. [PMID: 35551338 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00539a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study shows that Cu occurs predominantly as Cu-sulfides and Cu-bearing phosphates and -carbonates in organic matter (OM) colloids within smelter-impacted soils in which they are often associated with other inorganic components. Major emitters of Cu are smelters and coal-power plants, which cause severe damage to the health of soils and aquatic systems as elevated Cu concentrations are toxic for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Toxic effects and the long-term environmental fate of Cu depend among many other factors on its speciation in soil and water bodies. This study explores the role of OM colloids (defined as particles with diameters in the range of 100 to 1000 nm and with a larger proportion of organic than inorganic material) in the sequestration of Cu in contaminated soils around the Horne smelter, Rouyn Noranda, Quebec, Canada, focusing on a thin soil overlying bedrock (bedrock soil) and forest soil. The sequestration and mobilization of Cu by OM colloids are studied using a combination of column leaching experiments, ultra-centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM analysis indicates that Cu occurs as nano-sized CuSx phases in OM colloids of the bedrock soil, and as Cu-bearing Ca-Mg-phosphates and Ca-carbonates in OM colloids of the forest soil. The nano-sized CuSx phases occur along the rim of OM colloids or are attached to silica inclusions located within OM colloids, suggesting that their in situ formation is strongly controlled by the presence of polar groups within or on the surface of OM colloids. The proportion of Cu-bearing colloids in the soil leachates ranges from 20 to 40% of the total colloidal fraction, suggesting that OM colloids can play a significant role in the sequestration of Cu in surficial soil environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarib Jadoon
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Michael Schindler
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
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7
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Rizvi A, Mulvey JT, Patterson JP. Observation of Liquid-Liquid-Phase Separation and Vesicle Spreading during Supported Bilayer Formation via Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:10325-10332. [PMID: 34890211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) enables the real-time visualization of nanoscale dynamics in solution. This technique has been used to study the formation and transformation mechanisms of organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Here, we study the formation of block-copolymer-supported bilayers using LP-TEM. We observe two formation pathways that involve either liquid droplets or vesicles as intermediates toward supported bilayers. Quantitative image analysis methods are used to characterize vesicle spread rates and show the origin of defect formation in supported bilayers. Our results suggest that bilayer assembly methods that proceed via liquid droplet intermediates should be beneficial for forming pristine supported bilayers. Furthermore, supported bilayers inside the liquid cells may be used to image membrane interactions with proteins and nanoparticles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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8
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Gnanasekaran K, Korpanty J, Berger O, Hampu N, Halperin-Sternfeld M, Cohen-Gerassi D, Adler-Abramovich L, Gianneschi NC. Dipeptide Nanostructure Assembly and Dynamics via in Situ Liquid-Phase Electron Microscopy. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16542-16551. [PMID: 34623126 PMCID: PMC9836046 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we report the in situ growth of FF nanotubes examined via liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). This direct, high spatial, and temporal resolution imaging approach allowed us to observe the growth of peptide-based nanofibrillar structures through directional elongation. Furthermore, the radial growth profile of FF nanotubes through the addition of monomers perpendicular to the tube axis has been observed in real-time with sufficient resolution to directly observe the increase in diameter. Our study demonstrates that the kinetics, dynamics, structure formation, and assembly mechanism of these supramolecular assemblies can be directly monitored using LCTEM. The performance of the peptides and the assemblies they form can be verified and evaluated using post-mortem techniques including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Gnanasekaran
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Or Berger
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nicholas Hampu
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michal Halperin-Sternfeld
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Dana Cohen-Gerassi
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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9
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Sun M, Cheng Z, Chen W, Jones M. Understanding Symmetry Breaking at the Single-Particle Level via the Growth of Tetrahedron-Shaped Nanocrystals from Higher-Symmetry Precursors. ACS NANO 2021; 15:15953-15961. [PMID: 34554725 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of single crystalline metal nanoparticles adopt shapes in the Oh point group as a consequence of the symmetry of the underlying face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal lattice. Tetrahedra are a notable exception to this rule, and although they have been observed in several syntheses, their growth mechanism, and the symmetry-reduction process that necessarily characterizes it, is poorly understood. Here, a symmetry breaking mechanism is revealed by in situ liquid flow cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of seeded growth in which tetrahedra nanoparticles are formed from higher symmetry seeds. Real-time observation of the growth demonstrates a kinetically driven pathway during which rhombic dodecahedra nanoparticles transition to tetrahedra through tristetrahedra intermediates, with an accompanying surface facet evolution from {110} to {111} via {hhl} (where h > l), respectively. On the basis of these data, we propose a mechanism that relies on a rapid loss of inversion symmetry in the initial stages of the reaction, followed by differential reactivity of tips vs faces under conditions of relatively high supersaturation and moderate ligand concentration. The application of these insights to ex situ synthesis conditions allowed for an improved yield of tetrahedra nanoparticles. This work sheds an important mechanistic light on the crystallographic underpinnings of nanoparticle shape and symmetry transformations and highlights the importance of single-particle characterization tools for monitoring nanoscale phenomena.
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10
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Khelfa A, Nelayah J, Amara H, Wang G, Ricolleau C, Alloyeau D. Quantitative In Situ Visualization of Thermal Effects on the Formation of Gold Nanocrystals in Solution. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102514. [PMID: 34338365 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding temperature effects in nanochemistry requires real-time in situ measurements because this key parameter of wet-chemical synthesis simultaneously influences the kinetics of chemical reactions and the thermodynamic equilibrium of nanomaterials in solution. Here, temperature-controlled liquid cell transmission electron microscopy is exploited to directly image the radiolysis-driven formation of gold nanoparticles between 25 °C and 85 °C and provide a deeper understanding of the atomic-scale processes determining the size and shape of gold colloids. By quantitatively comparing the nucleation and growth rates of colloidal assemblies with classical models for nanocrystal formation, it is shown that the increase of the molecular diffusion and the solubility of gold governs the drastic changes in the formation dynamics of nanostructures in solution with temperature. In contraction with the common view of coarsening processes in solution, it is also demonstrated that the dissolution of nanoparticles and thus the Ostwald ripening is not only driven by size effects. Furthermore, visualizing thermal effects on faceting processes at the single nanoparticle level reveals how the competition between the growth speed and the surface diffusion dictates the final shape of nanocrystals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelali Khelfa
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Jaysen Nelayah
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Hakim Amara
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
- Laboratoire d'Études des Microstructures, ONERA - CNRS - Université Paris Saclay, Chatillon, 92320, France
| | - Guillaume Wang
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Christian Ricolleau
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Damien Alloyeau
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université de Paris - CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
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11
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Chee SW, Lunkenbein T, Schlögl R, Cuenya BR. In situand operandoelectron microscopy in heterogeneous catalysis-insights into multi-scale chemical dynamics. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2021; 33:153001. [PMID: 33825698 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/abddfd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review features state-of-the-artin situandoperandoelectron microscopy (EM) studies of heterogeneous catalysts in gas and liquid environments during reaction. Heterogeneous catalysts are important materials for the efficient production of chemicals/fuels on an industrial scale and for energy conversion applications. They also play a central role in various emerging technologies that are needed to ensure a sustainable future for our society. Currently, the rational design of catalysts has largely been hampered by our lack of insight into the working structures that exist during reaction and their associated properties. However, elucidating the working state of catalysts is not trivial, because catalysts are metastable functional materials that adapt dynamically to a specific reaction condition. The structural or morphological alterations induced by chemical reactions can also vary locally. A complete description of their morphologies requires that the microscopic studies undertaken span several length scales. EMs, especially transmission electron microscopes, are powerful tools for studying the structure of catalysts at the nanoscale because of their high spatial resolution, relatively high temporal resolution, and complementary capabilities for chemical analysis. Furthermore, recent advances have enabled the direct observation of catalysts under realistic environmental conditions using specialized reaction cells. Here, we will critically discuss the importance of spatially-resolvedoperandomeasurements and the available experimental setups that enable (1) correlated studies where EM observations are complemented by separate measurements of reaction kinetics or spectroscopic analysis of chemical species during reaction or (2) real-time studies where the dynamics of catalysts are followed with EM and the catalytic performance is extracted directly from the reaction cell that is within the EM column or chamber. Examples of current research in this field will be presented. Challenges in the experimental application of these techniques and our perspectives on the field's future directions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Wee Chee
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Lunkenbein
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Schlögl
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Heterogeneous Reactions, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, 45413 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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12
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Wang M, Leff AC, Li Y, Woehl TJ. Visualizing Ligand-Mediated Bimetallic Nanocrystal Formation Pathways with in Situ Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy Synthesis. ACS NANO 2021; 15:2578-2588. [PMID: 33496576 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal synthesis of alloyed multimetallic nanocrystals with precise composition control remains a challenge and a critical missing link in theory-driven rational design of functional nanomaterials. Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) enables direct visualization of nanocrystal formation mechanisms that can inform discovery of design rules for nanocrystal synthesis, but it remains unclear whether the salient flask synthesis chemistry is preserved under electron beam irradiation during LP-TEM. Here, we demonstrate controlled in situ LP-TEM synthesis of alloyed AuCu nanocrystals while maintaining the molecular structure of electron beam sensitive metal thiolate precursor complexes. Ex situ flask synthesis experiments formed alloyed nanocrystals containing on average 70 atomic% Au using heteronuclear metal thiolate complexes as a precursor, while gold-rich alloys with nearly no copper formed in their absence. Systematic dose rate-controlled in situ LP-TEM synthesis experiments established a range of electron beam synthesis conditions that formed alloyed AuCu nanocrystals that had statistically indistinguishable alloy composition, aggregation state, and particle size distribution shape compared to ex situ flask synthesis, indicating the flask synthesis chemistry was preserved under these conditions. Reaction kinetic simulations of radical-ligand reactions revealed that polymer capping ligands acted as effective hydroxyl radical scavengers during LP-TEM synthesis and prevented oxidation of metal thiolate complexes at low dose rates. Our results revealed a key role of the capping ligands aside from their well-known functions, which was to prevent copper oxidation and facilitate formation of prenucleation cluster intermediates via formation of metal thiolate complexes. This work demonstrates that complex ion precursor chemistry can be maintained during LP-TEM imaging, enabling probing nonclassical nanocrystal formation mechanisms with LP-TEM under reaction conditions representative of ex situ flask synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Asher C Leff
- Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, Combat Capabilities Development Command, United States Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, Maryland 20783, United States
- General Technical Services, LLC, Wall Township, New Jersey 07727, United States
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Taylor J Woehl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Korpanty J, Parent LR, Gianneschi NC. Enhancing and Mitigating Radiolytic Damage to Soft Matter in Aqueous Phase Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy in the Presence of Gold Nanoparticle Sensitizers or Isopropanol Scavengers. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:1141-1149. [PMID: 33448858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c04636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we describe the radiolytic environment experienced by a polymer in water during liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). We examined the radiolytic environment of aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, 2400 g/mol) in the presence of sensitizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs, 100 nm) or radical scavenging isopropanol (IPA). To quantify polymer damage, we employed post-mortem analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). This approach confirms IPA (1-10% w/v) can significantly mitigate radiolysis-induced damage to polymers in water, while GNPs significantly enhance damage. We couple LCTEM experiments with simulations to provide a generalizable strategy for assessing radiolysis mitigation or enhancement. This study highlights the caution required for LCTEM experiments on inorganic nanoparticles where solution phase properties of surrounding organic materials or the solvent itself are under investigation. Furthermore, we anticipate an increased use of scavengers for LCTEM studies of all kinds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Lucas R Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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14
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Parent LR, Gnanasekaran K, Korpanty J, Gianneschi NC. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Polymeric Materials by In Situ Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:14-38. [PMID: 35548998 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A century ago, Hermann Staudinger proposed the macromolecular theory of polymers, and now, as we enter the second century of polymer science, we face a different set of opportunities and challenges for the development of functional soft matter. Indeed, many fundamental questions remain open, relating to physical structures and mechanisms of phase transformations at the molecular and nanoscale. In this Viewpoint, we describe efforts to develop a dynamic, in situ microscopy tool suited to the study of polymeric materials at the nanoscale that allows for direct observation of discrete structures and processes in solution, as a complement to light, neutron, and X-ray scattering methods. Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) is a nascent in situ imaging technique for characterizing and examining solvated nanomaterials in real time. Though still under development, LPTEM has been shown to be capable of several modes of imaging: (1) imaging static solvated materials analogous to cryo-TEM, (2) videography of nanomaterials in motion, (3) observing solutions or nanomaterials undergoing physical and chemical transformations, including synthesis, assembly, and phase transitions, and (4) observing electron beam-induced chemical-materials processes. Herein, we describe opportunities and limitations of LPTEM for polymer science. We review the basic experimental platform of LPTEM and describe the origin of electron beam effects that go hand in hand with the imaging process. These electron beam effects cause perturbation and damage to the sample and solvent that can manifest as artefacts in images and videos. We describe sample-specific experimental guidelines and outline approaches to mitigate, characterize, and quantify beam damaging effects. Altogether, we seek to provide an overview of this nascent field in the context of its potential to contribute to the advancement of polymer science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Woehl T. Refocusing in Situ Electron Microscopy: Moving beyond Visualization of Nanoparticle Self-Assembly To Gain Practical Insights into Advanced Material Fabrication. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12272-12279. [PMID: 31738051 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b08281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite incredible progress in preparing extended nanoparticle superlattices by self-assembly, theoretically predicted collective properties of extended nanoparticle superlattices are rarely correlated to observations due to the presence of defects. Enhanced fundamental understanding of the kinetics involved in nanoparticle superlattice self-assembly, specifically defect formation and annealing kinetics and mechanisms, is needed to prepare defect-free nanoparticle superlattices. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enables direct visualization of nanoparticle self-assembly phenomena in real time and at atomic spatial resolution; however, effective translation of in situ TEM data into new predictive models and material synthesis design rules remains a persistent challenge. Recent work by Ondry et al. in this issue of ACS Nano utilized atomic resolution in situ TEM to establish defect removal kinetics in epitaxially attached CdSe nanocrystal pairs, revealing a set of practical guidelines for minimizing defect formation in extended nanoparticle solids. Motivated by this work, in this Perspective, I explore and discuss the most effective and impactful uses of in situ TEM for nanoscience research and the associated technical barriers for performing in situ TEM measurements that are meaningful to bulk-scale self-assembly experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Woehl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20740 , United States
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