In situ transmission electron microscopy on growth and etching of metal nanoparticles

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles have different properties depending on their size, shape, composition, and structure, It is essential to reveal formation mechanisms for the synthesis of desired metal nanoparticles. Recently, development of liquid cell transmission electron microscopy enables real-time observation of metal nanoparticle growth or etching process. However, due to experimental challenges, limited reactions or materials could be observed. In order to overcome this, it is necessary to improve liquid cell fabrication methods. In this thesis, we observed growth of Au-Pd core-shell nanoparticle at atomic-level resolution and sequential growth and etching of Au nanoparticle using graphene liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. In addition, we also characterized properties of Cu nanoparticles when they oxidized in oxygen atmosphere and applied them to actual devices.