Understanding core-shell nanoparticle growth
A study of platinum-coated nanoparticles shows how energy balance controls crystal growth The post Understanding core-shell nanoparticle growth appeared first on Physics World .
This research investigates how platinum (Pt) shells develop on various core structures in a process called heteroepitaxy. Core materials include ruthenium (Ru) with hcp crystal structure, palladium-copper (PdCu) with bcc structure, and specially synthesized Ru with fcc structure. By studying these different systems, scientists determined that the platinum shell's growth is influenced by the interplay of interface, shell, and core energies, aiming for the lowest-energy configuration.
The discrepancies between crystal structures lead to strain, affecting the catalytic performance of the nanoparticles. Coherent alignment occurs in hcp/fcc particles, causing dislocations in smaller particles. Bcc/fcc systems experience stretching or compression, while fcc/fcc particles form twin defects. These insights enable scientists to achieve precise interfacial engineering, potentially controlling the core-shell nanoparticles' catalytic, mechanical, and electrical properties.
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