TY - JOUR
T1 - Quantitative structural analysis of binary nanocrystal superlattices by electron tomography
AU - Friedrich, Heiner
AU - Gommes, Cedric J.
AU - Overgaag, Karin
AU - Meeldijk, Johannes D.
AU - Evers, Wiel H.
AU - de Nijs, Bart
AU - Boneschanscher, Mark P.
AU - de Jongh, Petra E.
AU - Verkleij, Arie J.
AU - de Jong, Krijn P.
AU - van Blaaderen, Alfons
AU - Vanmaekelbergh, Daniel
PY - 2009/7/8
Y1 - 2009/7/8
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=67650382305&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1021/nl901212m
DO - 10.1021/nl901212m
M3 - Article
C2 - 19505139
AN - SCOPUS:67650382305
SN - 1530-6984
VL - 9
SP - 2719
EP - 2724
JO - Nano Letters
JF - Nano Letters
IS - 7
ER -