Disintegration of nanostructured metals with the formation of nanoparticles in electron microscope

• Published in: Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects 2018-10, Vol.16, p.104-109
• Main Authors: Strukova, G.K., Strukov, G.V., Khodos, I.I., Vitkalov, S.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disintegration; Metallic nanoparticles; Nanostructured mesostructure
• ISSN: 2352-507X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoso.2018.04.004

In this paper we report on an explosive disintegration of metallic 3D samples with built-in nanoscaled hierarchical order under electron beam irradiation in a transmission electron microscope. The objects of our investigation are novel 3D mesostructures containing either FeNi3 intermetallic nanowires, or silver wafers of nanoscale thickness, or Pb–In nanorods. These structures were fabricated via a self-organization of metallic nanowires growing on templates during the pulsed electro-deposition process. The disintegration of 3D mesostructures yields an array of 2–50 nm metallic crystalline nanoparticles scattered on a holding substrate in the vicinity of the contact of the electron beam with samples. Direct atomic resolution images made in-situ reveal the monocrystalline structure of the nanoparticles. The observed rapid disintegration of 3D mesostructures in the electron beam is related to the internal energy significantly enhanced in the nanostructured samples. Possible applications of the phenomenon are discussed. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] •3D hierarchical metallic mesostructures disintegrate in transition electron microscope.•Samples containing FeNi3 nanowires, silver nanowafers or Pb–In nanorods were irradiated.•Explosive disintegration leads to form of metallic nanoparticles on a holding substrate.•Direct atomic resolution images exhibit the single crystal structure of nanoparticles.