Investigation on the growth kinetics of inorganic crystalline nanomaterials using in-situ electron microscopy

Abstract

Growth mechanisms of the crystals determine their unique lattice structures, which, in turn, govern their corresponding physical and chemical properties. Therefore, synthesis of crystals with specific properties requires detailed information on the growth kinetics. One of the most valuable characterizing methods used to identify the growth kinetics of crystalline materials is in-situ electron microscopy, which enables direct observation of the reaction pathways. This method provides the ability to control the environment required for the growth of specific crystals within the microscope column. In this thesis, we investigated multi-scale growth mechanisms of inorganic crystalline nanomaterials using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Growth mechanisms of the carbon nanotubes are investigated from a crystallographic perspective and we suggested a generalized growth model by introducing the in-situ heating TEM. Using in-situ liquid TEM, growth pathways of the calcium carbonate were identified and saturated solution-mediated polymorphism was observed. Finally, flocculation kinetics of the halloysite nanoclays were verified at the particle level and correlated to the sedimentation behaviors.