Quantitative structural analysis of binary nanocrystal superlattices by electron tomography.
Binary nanocrystal superlattices, that is, ordered structures of two sorts of nanocolloids, hold promise for a series of functional materials with novel collective properties. Here we show that based on electron tomography a comprehensive, quantitative, three-dimensional characterization of these systems down to the single nanocrystal level can be achieved, which is key in understanding the emerging materials properties. On four binary lattices composed of PbSe, CdSe, and Au nanocrystals, we illustrate that ambiguous interpretations based on two-dimensional transmission electron microscopy can be prevented, nanocrystal sizes and superlattice parameters accurately determined, individual crystallographic point and plane defects studied, and the order/disorder at the top and bottom surfaces imaged. Furthermore, our results suggest that superlattice nucleation and growth occurred at the suspension/air interface and that the unit cells of some lattices are anisotropically deformed upon drying.
Friedrich
Heiner
H
Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, Utrecht 3584 CA, The Netherlands. h.friedrich@uu.nl
Gommes
Cedric J
CJ
Overgaag
Karin
K
Meeldijk
Johannes D
JD
Evers
Wiel H
WH
de Nijs
Bart
B
Boneschanscher
Mark P
MP
de Jongh
Petra E
PE
Verkleij
Arie J
AJ
de Jong
Krijn P
KP
van Blaaderen
Alfons
A
Vanmaekelbergh
Daniel
D
D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D055032:Electron Microscope Tomography; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D007854:Lead / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C088065:lead selenide; D007854:Lead; D006046:Gold; C058667:cadmium selenide