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Fabrication of crystals from single metal atoms

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolas P. E. Barry

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Anaïs Pitto-Barry

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Ana M. Sanchez

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Andrew P. Dove

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Richard J. Procter

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Joan J. Soldevila-Barreda

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Nigel Kirby

    (Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road)

  • Ian Hands-Portman

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Corinne J. Smith

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Rachel K. O’Reilly

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Richard Beanland

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

  • Peter J. Sadler

    (University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road)

Abstract

Metal nanocrystals offer new concepts for the design of nanodevices with a range of potential applications. Currently the formation of metal nanocrystals cannot be controlled at the level of individual atoms. Here we describe a new general method for the fabrication of multi-heteroatom-doped graphitic matrices decorated with very small, ångström-sized, three-dimensional (3D)-metal crystals of defined size. We irradiate boron-rich precious-metal-encapsulated self-spreading polymer micelles with electrons and produce, in real time, a doped graphitic support on which individual osmium atoms hop and migrate to form 3D-nanocrystals, as small as 15 Å in diameter, within 1 h. Crystal growth can be observed, quantified and controlled in real time. We also synthesize the first examples of mixed ruthenium–osmium 3D-nanocrystals. This technology not only allows the production of ångström-sized homo- and hetero-crystals, but also provides new experimental insight into the dynamics of nanocrystals and pathways for their assembly from single atoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas P. E. Barry & Anaïs Pitto-Barry & Ana M. Sanchez & Andrew P. Dove & Richard J. Procter & Joan J. Soldevila-Barreda & Nigel Kirby & Ian Hands-Portman & Corinne J. Smith & Rachel K. O’Reilly & R, 2014. "Fabrication of crystals from single metal atoms," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4851
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4851
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