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Atomic-Scale Tracking of Dynamic Nucleation and Growth of an Interfacial Lead Nanodroplet

Authors :
Xiaoxue Chang
Chunhao Sun
Leguan Ran
Ran Cai
Ruiwen Shao
Source :
Molecules, Vol 27, Iss 15, p 4877 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Revealing the evolutional pathway of the nucleation and crystallization of nanostructures at the atomic scale is crucial for understanding the complex growth mechanisms at the early stage of new substances and spices. Real-time discrimination of the atomic mechanism of a nanodroplet transition is still a formidable challenge. Here, taking advantage of the high temporal and spatial resolution of transmission electron microscopy, the detailed growth pathway of Pb nanodroplets at the early stage of nucleation was directly observed by employing electron beams to induce the nucleation, growth, and fusion process of Pb nanodroplets based on PbTiO3 nanowires. Before the nucleation of Pb nanoparticles, the atoms began to precipitate when they were irradiated by electrons, forming a local crystal structure, and then rapidly and completely crystallized. Small nanodroplets maintain high activity and high density and gradually grow and merge into stable crystals. The whole process was recorded and imaged by HRTEM in real time. The growth of Pb nanodroplets advanced through the classical path and instantaneous droplet coalescence. These results provide an atomic-scale insight on the dynamic process of solid/solid interface, which has implications in thin-film growth and advanced nanomanufacturing.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14203049
Volume :
27
Issue :
15
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Molecules
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3a717e121c764efc9267443d3c871ecf
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154877