Abstract
We report a novel method of growing silver nanostructures by cathodic sputtering onto an ionic liquid (IL) and our visualization by transmission cryo-electron microscopy to avoid beam-induced motion of the nanoparticles. By freezing the IL suspension and controlling electron dose, we can assess properties of particle size, morphology, crystallinity, and aggregation in situ and at high detail. We observed round silver nanoparticles with a well-defined diameter of 7.0 ± 1.5 nm that are faceted with crystalline cubic structures and ∼80% of the particles have multiply twinned faults. We also applied cryo-electron tomography to investigate the structure of the nanoparticles and to directly visualize the IL wetting around them. In addition to particles, we observed nanorods that appear to have assembled from individual nanoparticles. Reexamination of the samples after 4-5 days from initial preparation showed significant changes in morphology, and potential mechanisms for this are discussed. © 2010 Materials Research Society.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1264-1271 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Materials Research |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 31 2011 |
Bibliographical note
KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanics of Materials
- General Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics