Electron Beam Induced Enhancement and Suppression of Oxidation in Cu Nanoparticles in Environmental Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy.

ABSTRACT: We have investigated the effects of high-energy electron irradiation on the oxidation of copper nanoparticles in environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy (ESTEM). The hemispherically shaped particles were oxidized in 3 mbar of O₂ in a temperature range 100-200 °C. The evolution of the particles was recorded with sub-nanometer spatial resolution in situ in ESTEM. The oxidation encompasses the formation of outer and inner oxide shells on the nanoparticles, arising from the concurrent diffusion of copper and oxygen out of and into the nanoparticles, respectively. Our results reveal that the electron beam actively influences the reaction and overall accelerates the oxidation of the nanoparticles when compared to particles oxidized without exposure to the electron beam

SUBMITTER: Ziashahabi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10588434 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature