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In-situ X-ray scattering observation of colloidal epitaxy at the gas-liquid-solid interface

Author

Listed:
  • Xiao Wang

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Zhi Qiao

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Zhu Fang

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Yufeng Zhai

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Runze Yu

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Gang Chen

    (ShanghaiTech University)

Abstract

The convective self-assembly of dip-coating is a long-established technique widely employed in scientific and industrial applications. Despite its apparent importance, many of the fundamental aspects remain unknown, particularly the exact assembling mechanism and its relationship with evaporation kinetics and fluid dynamics. Here, we perform the in-situ small-angle X-ray scattering study of the real-time convective self-assembly of colloidal particles inside a meniscus. This approach allows us to resolve the transient assembling processes occurring at the gas, liquid and solid interfaces. Together with ex-situ scanning electron microscopy measurements via the freeze-dry method, the colloidal epitaxy process is uncovered, where the multilayer is sequentially assembled using the interfacial monolayer as a template. The microscopic ordering of the final multilayer is highly correlated with that of the initial monolayer. The evaporation kinetics and fluid dynamics are numerically simulated, which rationalizes the monolayer formation and the dynamic epitaxial process.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiao Wang & Zhi Qiao & Zhu Fang & Yufeng Zhai & Runze Yu & Gang Chen, 2025. "In-situ X-ray scattering observation of colloidal epitaxy at the gas-liquid-solid interface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58028-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58028-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert D. Deegan & Olgica Bakajin & Todd F. Dupont & Greb Huber & Sidney R. Nagel & Thomas A. Witten, 1997. "Capillary flow as the cause of ring stains from dried liquid drops," Nature, Nature, vol. 389(6653), pages 827-829, October.
    2. Longlong Wu & Xiao Wang & Geng Wang & Gang Chen, 2018. "In situ X-ray scattering observation of two-dimensional interfacial colloidal crystallization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-8, December.
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    4. Jiao Deng & Sheng-Chih Lin & Jack Fuller & Jesus A. Iñiguez & Danlei Xiang & Di Yang & Gary Chan & Hao Ming Chen & Anastassia N. Alexandrova & Chong Liu, 2020. "Ambient methane functionalization initiated by electrochemical oxidation of a vanadium (V)-oxo dimer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
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