Restructuring of cobalt nanoparticles induced by formation and diffusion of monodisperse metal-sulfur complexes

Time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to investigate a massive sulfur-induced transformation of a homogeneous array of similar to 2 nm Co nanoparticles into a new cobalt sulfide phase. The underlying atomistic mass-transport process is revealed and, surprisingly, found to be mediated exclusively by the formation and detachment of monosized Co3S4 complexes at the perimeter of the Co nanoparticles. The process is followed by fast diffusion, agglomeration of the complexes, and subsequent crystallization into a cobalt sulfide phase.