title: Highly anisotropic distribution of iron nanoparticles within MCM-41 Mesoporous Silica.
abstract: Electron microscopy techniques are used to visualize the spatial distribution of iron nanoparticles inside a mesoporous MCM-41 molecular sieve. Direct observation of the iron oxide nanoparticles by STEM-HAADF imaging reveals a highly non-uniform spatial distribution inside the mesopores. These particles are retained in the pores after a reduction treatment unlike the behavior found in other similar systems. It is found that thermal treatments induce changes in its morphology, creating nanowires from particle strings.
authors.affiliation: Materials Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. smoreno@cab.cnea.gov.ar
authors.forename: M Sergio
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weyland
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Midgley
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bengoa
authors.forename: Marta V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Cagnoli
authors.forename: Norma G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Gallegos
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: Sergio G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Marchetti
mesh_terms: D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D007501:Iron