In situ TEM observation of liquid-state Sn nanoparticles vanishing in a SiO₂ structure: a potential synthetic tool for controllable morphology evolution from core-shell to yolk-shell and hollow structures.

ABSTRACT: Precise design of hollow nanostructures can be realized via various approaches developed in the last two decades, endowing nanomaterials with unique structures and outstanding performances, showing their usefulness in a broad range of fields. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of SnO₂@SiO₂ hollow nanostructures, for the first time, by interaction between liquid state Sn cores and SiO₂ shell structures inside Sn@SiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles with real-time observation via in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the in situ results, designed transformation of the nanoparticle structure from core-shell Sn@SiO₂ to yolk-shell Sn@SiO₂ and hollow SnO₂@SiO₂ is demonstrated, showing the controllable structure of core-shell Sn@SiO₂ nanoparticles via fixing liquid-state Sn inside a SiO₂ shell which has a certain Sn containing capacity. The present approach expands the toolbox for the design and preparation of yolk-shell and hollow nanostructures, thus providing us with a new strategy for fabrication of more complicated nanostructures.

SUBMITTER: Zhu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9418928 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature