Influence of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide on Gold Nanocrystal Formation Studied by in Situ Liquid Cell Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Silvia A. Canepa, Brian T. Sneed, Hongyu Sun, Raymond R. Unocic, Kristian Mølhave*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    The synthesis of monodisperse size- and shape-controlled Au nanocrystals is often achieved with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant; however, its role in the growth of such tailored nanostructures is not well understood. To elucidate the formation mechanism(s) and evolution of the morphology of Au nanocrystals in the early growth stage, we present an in situ liquid-cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) investigation using electron beam-induced radiolytic species as the reductant. The resulting particle shape at a low beam dose rate is shown to be strongly influenced by the surfactant; the Au nanocrystal growth rate is suppressed by increasing the CTAB concentration. At a low CTAB concentration, the nanoparticles (NPs) follow a reaction-limited growth mechanism, while at high a CTAB concentration the NPs follow a diffusion-limited mechanism, as described by the Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner (LSW) model. Moreover, we investigate the temporal evolution of specific NP geometries. The amount of Au reduced by the electron beam outside the irradiated area is quantified to better interpret the nanocrystal growth kinetics, as well as to further develop an understanding of electron beam interactions with nanomaterials toward improving the interpretation of in situ measurements.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C
    Volume122
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)2350-2357
    ISSN1932-7447
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide on Gold Nanocrystal Formation Studied by in Situ Liquid Cell Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this