Coordination-dependent surface atomic contraction in nanocrystals revealed by coherent diffraction

Morphology Control of Au-Ni Hybrid Nanoparticles: Exploring Heterostructures and Optical Tuning

Hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention because of their ability to provide diverse properties by integrating the inherent properties of multiple components; however, synthetic strategies to control their morphology remain unexplored. In this study, a new method was used to control the morphology and optical properties of Au-Ni heterostructure (ANH) NPs. Unique morphological changes were observed by varying the Au/Ni precursor ratio from 2:1 to 1:4, exhibiting a shape transformation from dumbbell-like to quasi-spherical owing to the Ni NP size expansion, whereas the Au NP maintained their size. Moreover, increasing the Ni ratio induced plasmonic band broadening and wavelength redshift, resulting in color changes from red to navy and black. In terms of the structure, the atomic orientation of the crystallite showed that even a large lattice mismatch can result in heterojunctions at the NPs. In addition, the reaction aliquots uncovered heterogeneous nucleation and growth of ANH NPs in the colloidal system, demonstrating Ni reduction on the preformed Au NP owing to the reduction in potential gap. This study provides new insights into controlling the morphology of hybrid NPs using colloidal synthesis and the design of optimized materials for various applications.

Synergistic growth of nickel and platinum nanoparticles via exsolution and surface reaction

Bimetallic catalysts combining precious and earth-abundant metals in well designed nanoparticle architectures can enable cost efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we present an interaction-driven in-situ approach to engineer finely dispersed Ni decorated Pt nanoparticles (1-6 nm) on perovskite nanofibres via reduction at high temperatures (600-800 oC). Deposition of Pt (0.5 wt%) enhances the reducibility of the perovskite support and promotes the nucleation of Ni cations via metal-support interaction, thereafter the Ni species react with Pt forming alloy nanoparticles, with the combined processes yielding smaller nanoparticles that either of the contributing processes. Tuneable uniform Pt-Ni nanoparticles are produced on the perovskite surface, yielding reactivity and stability surpassing 1 wt.% Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for CO oxidation. This approach heralds the possibility of in-situ fabrication of supported bimetallic nanoparticles with engineered compositional distributions and performance.

Surface engineering for stable electrocatalysis

In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in rational developments of electrocatalysts through constructing novel atomistic structures and modulating catalytic surface topography, realizing substantial enhancement in electrocatalytic activities. Numerous advanced catalysts were developed for electrochemical energy conversion, exhibiting low overpotential, high intrinsic activity, and selectivity. Yet, maintaining the high catalytic performance under working conditions with high polarization and vigorous microkinetics that induce intensive degradation of surface nanostructures presents a significant challenge for commercial applications. Recently, advanced operando and computational techniques have provided comprehensive mechanistic insights into the degradation of surficial functional structures. Additionally, various innovative strategies have been devised and proven effective in sustaining electrocatalytic activity under harsh operating conditions. This review aims to discuss the most recent understanding of the degradation microkinetics of catalysts across an entire range of anodic to cathodic polarizations, encompassing processes such as oxygen evolution and reduction, hydrogen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Subsequently, innovative strategies adopted to stabilize the materials' structure and activity are highlighted with an in-depth discussion of the underlying rationale. Finally, we present conclusions and perspectives regarding future research and development. By identifying the research gaps, this review aims to inspire further exploration of surface degradation mechanisms and rational design of durable electrocatalysts, ultimately contributing to the large-scale utilization of electroconversion technologies.

Observing the Structural Evolution of Quasi-Monolayer Pt Shell on Pd Core in the Electrocatalytic Oxygen-Reduction Reaction

The use of a quasi-monolayer Pt shell (Ptqms) on a Pd core (Pdc) can reach cost and activity targets for the electrocatalytic oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR). The structure of PdcPtqms in the ORR will vary; however, direct observation of this issue is scarce. Here, during cyclic staircase voltammetry (ranging from 0.5 to 1.15 VRHE) in 0.1 M O2-saturated HClO4, the structure of PdcPtqms was monitored by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The qualitative and quantitative structural information clearly exhibits a complete picture that Ptqms will directly restructure to form Pt clusters and holes, while Pdc almost remains stable. These findings identify the initial structural evolution of PdcPtqms in the ORR, highlighting the importance of protecting Pdc in the development of high-performance PdcPtqms electrocatalysts.

Synthesis and multi-scale properties of PuO2 nanoparticles: recent advances and open questions

Due to the increased attention given to actinide nanomaterials, the question of their structure-property relationship is on the spotlight of recent publications. Plutonium oxide (PuO₂) particularly plays a central role in nuclear energetics and a comprehensive knowledge about its properties when nanosizing is of paramount interest to understand its behaviour in environmental migration schemes but also for the development of advanced nuclear energy systems underway. The element plutonium further stimulates the curiosity of scientists due to the unique physical and chemical properties it exhibits around the periodic table. PuO₂ crystallizes in the fluorite structure of the face-centered cubic system for which the properties can be significantly affected when shrinking. Identifying the formation mechanism of PuO₂ nanoparticles, their related atomic, electronic and crystalline structures, and their reactivity in addition to their nanoscale properties, appears to be a fascinating and challenging ongoing topic, whose recent advances are discussed in this review.

In Situ TEM Observation of the Atomic Transport Process during the Coalescence of Au Nanoparticles

In practical applications, the coalescence of metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a major factor affecting their physical chemistry properties. Currently, due to a lack of understanding of the atomic-level mechanisms during the nucleation and growth stages of coalescence, the correlation between the different dynamic factors in the different stages of NP coalescence is unclear. In this study, we used advanced in situ characterization techniques to observe the formation of atomic material transport channels (Au chains) during the initiation of coalescence nucleation. We focused on the movement and migration states of Au atoms and discovered an atomic ordered arrangement growth mechanism that occurs after the completion of nucleation. Simultaneously, we used density functional theory to reveal the formation principle of Au chains. These findings improve our understanding of the atomic-scale coalescence process, which can provide a new perspective for further research on coalescence atomic dynamics.

Ultrathin Nanotube Structure for Mass-Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts in PEM Fuel Cells

It remains a challenge for platinum-based oxygen reduction reaction catalysts to simultaneously possess high mass activity and high durability in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. Herein, we report ultrathin holey nanotube (UHT)-structured Pt-M (M = Ni, Co) alloy catalysts that achieve unprecedented comprehensive performance. The nanotubes have ultrathin walls of 2-3 nm and construct self-supporting network-like catalyst layers with thicknesses of less than 1 μm, which have efficient mass transfer and 100% surface exposure, thus enabling high utilization of Pt atoms. Combined with the high intrinsic activity produced by the alloying effect, the catalysts achieve high mass activity. Moreover, the nanotube structure not only avoids the agglomeration problem of nanoparticles, but the low curvature of the tube wall also gives UHT a low surface energy (less than 1/3 of that of the same size nanoparticle), so UHT is more resistant to the Ostwald ripening and is stable. For the first time, the U.S. DOE mass activity target and dual durability targets for load and start-stop cycles are achieved on one catalyst. This study provides an effective structural strategy for the preparation of electrocatalysts with high atomic efficiency and excellent durability.

Imaging the facet surface strain state of supported multi-faceted Pt nanoparticles during reaction

Nanostructures with specific crystallographic planes display distinctive physico-chemical properties because of their unique atomic arrangements, resulting in widespread applications in catalysis, energy conversion or sensing. Understanding strain dynamics and their relationship with crystallographic facets have been largely unexplored. Here, we reveal in situ, in three-dimensions and at the nanoscale, the volume, surface and interface strain evolution of single supported platinum nanocrystals during reaction using coherent x-ray diffractive imaging. Interestingly, identical {hkl} facets show equivalent catalytic response during non-stoichiometric cycles. Periodic strain variations are rationalised in terms of O₂ adsorption or desorption during O₂ exposure or CO oxidation under reducing conditions, respectively. During stoichiometric CO oxidation, the strain evolution is, however, no longer facet dependent. Large strain variations are observed in localised areas, in particular in the vicinity of the substrate/particle interface, suggesting a significant influence of the substrate on the reactivity. These findings will improve the understanding of dynamic properties in catalysis and related fields.

Understanding strain dynamics and their relationship with crystallographic facets have been largely unexplored. Here the authors demonstrate how the 3D lattice displacement and strain evolution depend on the crystallographic facets of Pt nanoparticles during CO oxidation reaction, providing new insights in the relationship between facet-related surface strain and chemistry.

Quantitative Characterization of the Thermally Driven Alloying State in Ternary Ir-Pd-Ru Nanoparticles

Compositional and structural arrangements of constituent elements, especially those at the surface and near-surface layers, are known to greatly influence the catalytic performance of alloyed nanoparticles (NPs). Although much research effort often focuses on the ability to tailor these important aspects in the design stage, their stability under realistic operating conditions remains a major technical challenge. Here, the compositional stability and associated structural evolution of a ternary iridium-palladium-ruthenium (Ir-Pd-Ru) nanoalloy at elevated temperatures have been studied using interrupted in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy and theoretical modeling. The results are based on a combinatory approach of statistical sampling at the sub-nanometer scale for large groups of NPs as well as tracking individual NPs. We find that the solid solution Ir-Pd-Ru NPs (∼5.6 nm) evolved into a Pd-enriched shell supported on an alloyed Ir-Ru-rich core, most notably when the temperature exceeds 500 °C, concurrently with the development of expansive atomic strain in the outer surface and subsurface layers with respect to the core regions. Theoretically, we identify the weak interatomic bonds, low surface energy, and large atomic sizes associated with Pd as the key factors responsible for such observed features.

The Action-Networks of Nanosilver: Bridging the Gap between Material and Biology

The emergence of nanosilver (silver in nanoscale shapes and their assemblies) benefits the landscape of modern healthcare; however, this brings about concerns over its safety issues associated with an ultrasmall size and high mobility. By reviewing previous reporting details about the synthesis and characterization of nanosilver and its biological responses, a gap between materials synthesis and their biomedical uses is characterized by the insufficient understanding of the interacting and interplaying nanoscale actions of silver. To improve reporting quality and advance clinical translations, it is suggested that researchers have a comprehensive recognition of the "Indications for use" before designing innovative nanosilver-based materials and an "Action-network" concept addressing the acting range and strength of those nanoscale actions is implemented. Although this discussion is specific to nanosilver, the idea of "Indications for use" centered design and synthesis is generally applicable to other biomedical nanomaterials.

Monitoring the Structure Evolution of Titanium Oxide Photocatalysts: From the Molecular Form via the Amorphous State to the Crystalline Phase

Amorphous Tix Oy with high surface area has attracted significant interest as photocatalyst with higher activity in ultraviolet (UV) light-induced water splitting applications compared to commercial nanocrystalline TiO2 . Under photocatalytic operation conditions, the structure of the molecular titanium alkoxide precursor rearranges upon hydrolysis and leads to higher connectivity of the structure-building units. Structurally ordered domains with sizes smaller than 7 Å form larger aggregates. The experimental scattering data can be explained best with a structure model consisting of an anatase-like core and a distorted shell. Upon exposure to UV light, the white Tix Oy suspension turns dark corresponding to the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Heat-induced crystallisation was followed by in situ temperature-dependent total scattering experiments. First, ordering in the Ti-O environment takes place upon to 350 °C. Above this temperature, the distorted anatase core starts to grow but the structure obtained at 400 °C is still not fully ordered.

Subpercent Local Strains Due to the Shapes of Gold Nanorods Revealed by Data-Driven Analysis

Analysis of subpercent local strain is important for a deeper understanding of nanomaterials, whose properties often depend on the strain. Conventional strain analysis has been performed by measuring interatomic distances from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. However, measuring subpercent strain remains a challenge because the peak positions in STEM images do not precisely correspond to the real atomic positions due to disturbing influences, such as random noise and image distortion. Here, we utilized an advanced data-driven analysis method, Gaussian process regression, to predict the true strain distribution by reconstructing the true atomic positions. As a result, a precision of 0.2% was achieved in strain measurement at the atomic scale. The method was applied to gold nanoparticles of different shapes to reveal the shape dependence of the strain distribution. A spherical gold nanoparticle showed a symmetric strain distribution with a contraction of ∼1% near the surface owing to surface relaxation. By contrast, a gold nanorod, which is a cylinder terminated by hemispherical caps on both sides, showed nonuniform strain distributions with lattice expansions of ∼0.5% along the longitudinal axis around the caps except for the contraction at the surface. Our results indicate that the strain distribution depends on the shape of the nanomaterials. The proposed data-driven analysis is a convenient and powerful tool to measure the strain distribution with high precision at the atomic scale.

Contrasting the EXAFS obtained under air and H2 environments to reveal details of the surface structure of Pt-Sn nanoparticles

Understanding the surface structure of bimetallic nanoparticles is crucial for heterogeneous catalysis. Although surface contraction has been established in monometallic systems, less is known for bimetallic systems, especially of nanoparticles. In this work, the bond length contraction on the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles is revealed by XAS in H2 at room temperature on dealloyed Pt-Sn nanoparticles, where most Sn atoms were oxidized and segregated to the surface when measured in air. The average Sn-Pt bond length is found to be ∼0.09 Å shorter than observed in the bulk. To ascertain the effect of the Sn location on the decrease of the average bond length, Pt-Sn samples with lower surface-to-bulk Sn ratios than the dealloyed Pt-Sn were studied. The structural information specifically from the surface was extracted from the averaged XAS results using an improved fitting model combining the data measured in H2 and in air. Two samples prepared so as to ensure the absence of Sn in the bulk were also studied in the same fashion. The bond length of surface Sn-Pt and the corresponding coordination number obtained in this study show a nearly linear correlation, the origin of which is discussed and attributed to the poor overlap between the Sn 5p orbitals and the available orbitals of the Pt surface atoms.

Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging for In Situ Studies in Electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis is at the heart of a broad range of physicochemical applications that play an important role in the present and future of a sustainable economy. Among the myriad of different electrocatalysts used in this field, nanomaterials are of ubiquitous importance. An increased surface area/volume ratio compared to bulk makes nanoscale catalysts the preferred choice to perform electrocatalytic reactions. Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) was introduced in 2006 and since has been applied to obtain 3D images of crystalline nanomaterials. BCDI provides information about the displacement field, which is directly related to strain. Lattice strain in the catalysts impacts their electronic configuration and, consequently, their binding energy with reaction intermediates. Even though there have been significant improvements since its birth, the fact that the experiments can only be performed at synchrotron facilities and its relatively low resolution to date (∼10 nm spatial resolution) have prevented the popularization of this technique. Herein, we will briefly describe the fundamentals of the technique, including the electrocatalysis relevant information that we can extract from it. Subsequently, we review some of the computational experiments that complement the BCDI data for enhanced information extraction and improved understanding of the underlying nanoscale electrocatalytic processes. We next highlight success stories of BCDI applied to different electrochemical systems and in heterogeneous catalysis to show how the technique can contribute to future studies in electrocatalysis. Finally, we outline current challenges in spatiotemporal resolution limits of BCDI and provide our perspectives on recent developments in synchrotron facilities as well as the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence in addressing them.

Single-atom level determination of 3-dimensional surface atomic structure via neural network-assisted atomic electron tomography

Functional properties of nanomaterials strongly depend on their surface atomic structures, but they often become largely different from their bulk structures, exhibiting surface reconstructions and relaxations. However, most of the surface characterization methods are either limited to 2D measurements or not reaching to true 3D atomic-scale resolution, and single-atom level determination of the 3D surface atomic structure for general 3D nanomaterials still remains elusive. Here we demonstrate the measurement of 3D atomic structure at 15 pm precision using a Pt nanoparticle as a model system. Aided by a deep learning-based missing data retrieval combined with atomic electron tomography, the surface atomic structure was reliably measured. We found that <\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$100$$\end{document}100> and <\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$111$$\end{document}111> facets contribute differently to the surface strain, resulting in anisotropic strain distribution as well as compressive support boundary effect. The capability of single-atom level surface characterization will not only deepen our understanding of the functional properties of nanomaterials but also open a new door for fine tailoring of their performance.

Precise determination of surface atomic structure of metallic nanoparticles is key to unlock their surface/interface properties. Here the authors introduce a neural network-assisted atomic electron tomography approach that provides a three-dimensional reconstruction of metallic nanoparticles at individual atom level.

High-Throughput 3D Ensemble Characterization of Individual Core-Shell Nanoparticles with X-ray Free Electron Laser Single-Particle Imaging

The structures as building blocks for designing functional nanomaterials have fueled the development of versatile nanoprobes to understand local structures of noncrystalline specimens. Progress in analyzing structures of individual specimens with atomic scale accuracy has been notable recently. In most cases, however, only a limited number of specimens are inspected lacking statistics to represent the systems with structural inhomogeneity. Here, by employing single-particle imaging with X-ray free electron lasers and algorithms for multiple-model 3D imaging, we succeeded in investigating several thousand specimens in a couple of hours and identified intrinsic heterogeneities with 3D structures. Quantitative analysis has unveiled 3D morphology, facet indices, and elastic strain. The 3D elastic energy distribution is further corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations to gain mechanical insight at the atomic level. This work establishes a route to high-throughput characterization of individual specimens in large ensembles, hence overcoming statistical deficiency while providing quantitative information at the nanoscale.

In Situ/Operando Electrocatalyst Characterization by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

During the last decades, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become an indispensable method for probing the structure and composition of heterogeneous catalysts, revealing the nature of the active sites and establishing links between structural motifs in a catalyst, local electronic structure, and catalytic properties. Here we discuss the fundamental principles of the XAS method and describe the progress in the instrumentation and data analysis approaches undertaken for deciphering X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra. Recent usages of XAS in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on examples concerning electrocatalysis, will be presented. The latter is a rapidly developing field with immense industrial applications but also unique challenges in terms of the experimental characterization restrictions and advanced modeling approaches required. This review will highlight the new insight that can be gained with XAS on complex real-world electrocatalysts including their working mechanisms and the dynamic processes taking place in the course of a chemical reaction. More specifically, we will discuss applications of in situ and operando XAS to probe the catalyst's interactions with the environment (support, electrolyte, ligands, adsorbates, reaction products, and intermediates) and its structural, chemical, and electronic transformations as it adapts to the reaction conditions.

A fluidized electrocatalysis approach for ammonia synthesis using oxygen vacancy-rich Co3O4 nanoparticles

We report a fluidized electrocatalysis system, using an aqueous ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticle catalyst for the efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction.

Shedding Light on the Role of Misfit Strain in Controlling Core-Shell Nanocrystals

Heteroepitaxial modification of nanomaterials has become a powerful means to create novel functionalities for various applications. One of the most elementary factors in heteroepitaxial nanostructures is the misfit strain arising from mismatched lattices of the constituent parts. Misfit strain not only dictates epitaxy kinetics for diversifying nanocrystal morphologies but also provides rational control over materials properties. In recent years, advances in chemical synthesis along with the rapid development of electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques have enabled a substantial understanding of strain-related processes, which offers theoretical foundation and experimental guidance for researchers to refine heteroepitaxial nanostructures and their properties. Herein, recent investigations on heterogeneous core-shell nanocrystals containing misfit strains are summarized, with a focus on the mechanistic understanding of strain and strain-induced effects such as tuning the epitaxial habit, modulating the optical emission, and enhancing the catalytic activity and magnetic coercivity.

C-H oxidation enhancement on a gold nanoisland by atomic-undercoordination induced polarization

C-H activation is of great significance in the chemical industry while an effective solvent-free catalyst is highly desired. This work shows that a gold nanoisland which was inert in the bulk is effective for C-H activation reactions. We investigated the C-H activation of toluene on an Au nanoisland (58 atoms) using relativistic density functional theory (DFT). We found that (i) the bonds between under-coordinated gold atoms (corner site) shrink spontaneously and become stronger; (ii) the valence charges of corner atoms are polarized to the upper edge of the valence band (near the Fermi level), indicating the electron donation ability in the catalytic process; (iii) during C-H oxidation, the indirect path (O2 dissociation and O-H bonding) and direct path (O2-H bonding) were considered. The Au-O2 complex is active enough to abstract a hydrogen atom directly from toluene, with a barrier that is 6.8 kcal mol-1 lower than that of the indirect path; and (iv) a transfer of up to ∼0.8 electrons from gold to O2 occurs. Moreover, hybridization between delocalized gold orbitals and oxygen p-orbitals leads to the stabilization of the singlet spin state of Au58O. Our results suggest that undercoordination-charge-polarization are key factors for the C-H oxidation catalyzed by an Au nanoisland.

Stable Rhodium (IV) Oxide for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Water electrolysis in alkaline electrolyte is an attractive way toward clean hydrogen energy via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), whereas the sluggish water dissociation impedes the following hydrogen evolution. Noble metal oxides possess promising capability for catalyzing water dissociation and hydrogen evolution; however, they are never utilized for the HER due to the instability under the reductive potential. Here it is shown that compressive strain can stabilize RhO₂ clusters and promote their catalytic activity. To this end, a strawberry-like structure with RhO₂ clusters embedded in the surface layer of Rh nanoparticles is engineered, in which the incompatibility between the oxide cluster and the metal substrate causes intensive compressive strain. As such, RhO₂ clusters remain stable at a reduction potential up to -0.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and present an alkaline HER activity superior to commercial Pt/C.

Enhancing catalytic performance of dilute metal alloy nanomaterials

Dilute alloys are promising materials for sustainable chemical production; however, their composition and structure affect their performance. Herein, a comprehensive study of the effects of pretreatment conditions on the materials properties of Pd0.04Au0.96 nanoparticles partially embedded in porous silica is related to the activity for catalytic hydrogenation of 1-hexyne to 1-hexene. A combination of in situ characterization and theoretical calculations provide evidence that changes in palladium surface content are induced by treatment in oxygen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide at various temperatures. In turn, there are changes in hydrogenation activity because surface palladium is necessary for H2 dissociation. These Pd0.04Au0.96 nanoparticles in the porous silica remain structurally intact under many cycles of activation and deactivation and are remarkably resistant to sintering, demonstrating that dilute alloy catalysts are highly dynamic systems that can be tuned and maintained in a active state.

Free log-likelihood as an unbiased metric for coherent diffraction imaging

Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI), a technique where an object is reconstructed from a single (2D or 3D) diffraction pattern, recovers the lost diffraction phases without a priori knowledge of the extent (support) of the object. The uncertainty of the object support can lead to over-fitting and prevents an unambiguous metric evaluation of solutions. We propose to use a ‘free’ log-likelihood indicator, where a small percentage of points are masked from the reconstruction algorithms, as an unbiased metric to evaluate the validity of computed solutions, independent of the sample studied. We also show how a set of solutions can be analysed through an eigen-decomposition to yield a better estimate of the real object. Example analysis on experimental data is presented both for a test pattern dataset, and the diffraction pattern from a live cyanobacteria cell. The method allows the validation of reconstructions on a wide range of materials (hard condensed or biological), and should be particularly relevant for 4th generation synchrotrons and X-ray free electron lasers, where large, high-throughput datasets require a method for unsupervised data evaluation.

Crystal symmetry determination in electron diffraction using machine learning

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is one of the primary tools for crystal structure determination. However, this method requires human input to select potential phases for Hough-based or dictionary pattern matching and is not well suited for phase identification. Automated phase identification is the first step in making EBSD into a high-throughput technique. We used a machine learning-based approach and developed a general methodology for rapid and autonomous identification of the crystal symmetry from EBSD patterns. We evaluated our algorithm with diffraction patterns from materials outside the training set. The neural network assigned importance to the same symmetry features that a crystallographer would use for structure identification.

Thickness-dependent photoelectric properties of MoS2/Si heterostructure solar cells

In order to obtain the optimal photoelectric properties of vertical stacked MoS₂/Si heterostructure solar cells, we propose a theoretical model to address the relationship among film thickness, atomic bond identities and related physical quantities in terms of bond relaxation mechanism and detailed balance principle. We find that the vertical stacked MoS₂/Si can form type II band alignment, and its photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) enhances with increasing MoS₂ thickness. Moreover, the optimal PCE in MoS₂/Si can reach 24.76%, inferring that a possible design way can be achieved based on the layered transition metal dichalcogenides and silicon.

Free-standing Monatomic Thick Two-dimensional Gold

Monolayer metal membranes have attracted research attention owing to their fascinating physical properties. Unlike layered materials with weak interlayer van der Waals bonding, metallic monolayer membranes are difficult to exfoliate due to strong metallic bonding between layers. Here, we fabricate free-standing monatomic-thick Au membranes and nanoribbons framed in bulk crystals using in situ dealloying inside transmission electron microscope. The Au membranes are robust under high energy electron beam. Monatomic-thick nanoribbons with a minimal width of 0.6 nm are observed. First-principles calculations reveal that zigzag-edged nanoribbons are ferromagnetic with magnetic moments ranging 0.38-0.51 μB per unit-cell for a width less than 0.9 nm. In addition, a linear relationship between the bond length and the coordination number of atoms is directly investigated using atomic resolution images of monolayer and bilayer Au membranes. This work provides a pathway for direct fabrication of metal membranes and nanoribbons and to achieve novel physical properties.

Solving the Structure and Dynamics of Metal Nanoparticles by Combining X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy and Atomistic Structure Simulations

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is a premiere method for analysis of the structure and structural transformation of nanoparticles. Extraction of analytical information about the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of metal-metal bonds from EXAFS spectra requires special care due to their markedly non-bulk-like character. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the first-principles modeling of structure and properties of nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize new approaches for EXAFS data analysis that incorporate particle structure modeling into the process of structural refinement.

An Integrated Single-Electrode Method Reveals the Template Roles of Atomic Steps: Disturb Interfacial Water Networks and Thus Affect the Reactivity of Electrocatalysts

A method enabling the accurate and precise correlation between structures and properties is critical to the development of efficient electrocatalysts. To this end, we developed an integrated single-electrode method (ISM) that intimately couples electrochemical rotating disk electrodes, in situ/operando X-ray absorption fine structures, and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy on identical electrodes. This all-in-one method allows for the one-to-one, in situ/operando, and atomic-scale correlation between structures of electrocatalysts with their electrochemical reactivities, distinct from common methods that adopt multisamples separately for electrochemical and physical characterizations. Because the atomic step is one of the most fundamentally structural elements in electrocatalysts, we demonstrated the feasibility of ISM by exploring the roles of atomic steps in the reactivity of electrocatalysts. In situ and atomic-scale evidence shows that low-coordinated atomic steps not only generate reactive species at low potentials and strengthen surface contraction but also act as templates to disturb interfacial water networks and thus affect the reactivity of electrocatalysts. This template role interprets the long-standing puzzle regarding why high-index facets are active for the oxygen reduction reaction in acidic media. The ISM as a fundamentally new method for workflows should aid the study of many other electrocatalysts regarding their nature of active sites and operative mechanisms.

Average and local strain fields in nanocrystals

This article presents a rigorous and self-consistent comparison of lattice distortion and deformation fields existing in energy-optimized pseudo-spherical gold nanoparticles obtained from real-space and powder diffraction strain analysis techniques. The changes in atomic positions resulting from energy optimization (relaxation) of ideally perfect gold nanoparticles were obtained using molecular dynamics modeling. The relaxed atomic coordinates were then used to compute the displacement, rotation and strain components in all unit cells within the energy-optimized (relaxed) particles. It was seen that all of these terms were distributed heterogeneously along the radial and tangential directions within the nanospheroids. The heterogeneity was largest in the first few atomic shells adjacent to the nanoparticle surface, where the continuity of crystal lattice vectors originating from the interior layers was broken because of local lattice rotations. These layers also exhibited maximum shear and normal strains. These (real-space) strain values were then compared with the average lattice strains obtained by refining the computed diffraction patterns of such particles. The results show that (i) relying solely on full-pattern refinement techniques for lattice strain analysis might lead to erroneous conclusions about the dimensionality and symmetry of deformation within relaxed nanoparticles; (ii) the lattice strains within such relaxed particles should be considered `eigenstrains' (`inherent strains') as defined by Mura [Micromechanics of Defects in Solids, (1991), 2nd ed., Springer]; and (iii) the stress/strain state within relaxed nanoparticles cannot be analyzed rigorously using the constitutive equations of linear elasticity.

Probing the dynamics of nanoparticle formation from a precursor at atomic resolution

Control of reduction kinetics and nucleation processes is key in materials synthesis. However, understanding of the reduction dynamics in the initial stages is limited by the difficulty of imaging chemical reactions at the atomic scale; the chemical precursors are prone to reduction by the electron beams needed to achieve atomic resolution. Here, we study the reduction of a solid-state Pt precursor compound in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope by combining low-dose and in situ imaging. The beam-sensitive Pt precursor, K2PtCl4, is imaged at atomic resolution, enabling determination of individual (K, Pt, Cl) atoms. The transformation to Pt nanoclusters is captured in real time, showing a three-stage reaction including the breaking of the ionic bond, formation of PtCl2, and the reduction of the dual-valent Pt to Pt metal. Deciphering the atomic-scale transformation of chemicals in real time using combined low-dose and in situ imaging brings new possibility to study reaction kinetics in general.

Layer-dependent anisotropic frictional behavior in two-dimensional monolayer hybrid perovskite/ITO layered heterojunctions

The anisotropy of friction between 2D perovskites and the ITO is a four-fold symmetry in misaligned and aligned contacts.

Shape-dependent structural and magnetic properties of Fe nanoparticles studied through simulation methods

Studying the shape-dependent structural and magnetic properties of nanoparticles is one of the most necessary scientific challenges in order to match these nano-objects for adequate applications. In this research paper, the shape effect of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on structural and magnetic properties was investigated on the basis of a combination of Molecular Statics (MS) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. To this end, three kinds of FeNP shapes (such as spherical, planar and rod) in an equal volume have been considered. The coordination number distribution of FeNPs obtained from the data extracted by MS simulations was exploited for performing MC simulations on the familiar Ising model. The numerical findings obtained showed that the structural stability, the Curie temperature as well as the shape of the hysteresis loop are correlated with the FeNP shape.

The shape effect of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on structural and magnetic properties was investigated on the basis of a combination of Molecular Statics (MS) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

Strain-Modulated Band Engineering in Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus/MoS2 van der Waals Heterojunction

We investigate the band shift and band alignment of two-dimensional (2D) black phosphorus (BP)/MoS₂ van der Waals heterojunction (vdW HJ) via uniaxial strain in terms of first-principles calculations and atomic-bond-relaxation method. We find that the band gap of 2D BP/MoS₂ HJ decreases linearly with applied tensile strain and Mo-S bond breaks down at 10% tensile strain. Meanwhile, the band gap slightly increases and then monotonically decreases under compressive strain and there appears a semiconductor-to-metal transition at -11 and -12% strain in the y and x directions, respectively. Moreover, 2D BP/MoS₂ HJ maintains type-II band alignment for strain applied in the y direction whereas type-II/I band transition appears at -5% strain in the x direction. Moreover, we propose an analytical model to address the strain-modulated band engineering of 2D BP/MoS₂ vdW HJ at the atomic level. Our results suggest a promising way to explain the intrinsic mechanism of strain engineering and manipulate the electronic properties of 2D vdW HJs.

Coordination-dependent surface strain and rational construction of robust structures

A surface relaxation model is established to study the elastic properties of nanoscale structures. This model predicts coordination-dependent strain at the surface and thickness-dependent stiffness of a material. Several atomic layers at the surface endure a significant strain gradient, which is dominated by the intrinsic properties of the material. The stiffness of low-dimensional materials is enhanced by surface relaxation effect. Surface effects on strong structures, including honeycomb structure and octet-truss structure with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, are discussed. For these structures assembled with nanobeams, the Young's modulus decreases with decreasing size of the struts. The coupling between Young's modulus and relative density can be scaled down by engineering tensile strain on the struts.

Application of differential resonant high-energy X-ray diffraction to three-dimensional structure studies of nanosized materials: A case study of Pt-Pd nanoalloy catalysts

Atoms in many of the increasingly complex nanosized materials of interest to science and technology do not necessarily occupy the vertices of Bravais lattices. The atomic scale structure of such materials is difficult to determine by traditional X-ray diffraction and so their functional properties remain difficult to optimize by rational design. Here, the three-dimensional structure of Pt_xPd_100-x nanoalloy particles is determined, where x = 0, 14, 36, 47, 64 and 100, by a non-traditional technique involving differential resonant high-energy X-ray diffraction experiments conducted at the K edge of Pt and Pd. The technique is coupled with three-dimensional modeling guided by the experimental total and element-specific atomic pair distribution functions. Furthermore, using DFT (density functional theory) calculation based on the positions of atoms in the obtained three-dimensional structure models, the catalytic performance of Pt-Pd particles is explained. Thus, differential resonant high-energy X-ray diffraction is shown to be an excellent tool for three-dimensional structure studies of nanosized materials. The experimental and modeling procedures are described in good detail, to facilitate their wider usage.

Influence of atomic site-specific strain on catalytic activity of supported nanoparticles

Heterogeneous catalysis is an enabling technology that utilises transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) supported on oxides to promote chemical reactions. Structural mismatch at the NP–support interface generates lattice strain that could affect catalytic properties. However, detailed knowledge about strain in supported NPs remains elusive. We experimentally measure the strain at interfaces, surfaces and defects in Pt NPs supported on alumina and ceria with atomic resolution using high-precision scanning transmission electron microscopy. The largest strains are observed at the interfaces and are predominantly compressive. Atomic models of Pt NPs with experimentally measured strain distributions are used for first-principles kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of the CO oxidation reaction. The presence of only a fraction of strained surface atoms is found to affect the turnover frequency. These results provide a quantitative understanding of the relationship between strain and catalytic function and demonstrate that strain engineering can potentially be used for catalyst design.

Detailed knowledge of how strain influences catalytic reactions remains elusive. Here, the authors experimentally measure the strain in supported Pt nanoparticles on alumina and ceria with atomic resolution and computationally explore how the strain affects the CO oxidation reaction.