Nanocrystal diffusion in a liquid thin film observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 19408927.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/nl9012369.
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Abstract
We have directly observed motion of inorganic nanoparticles during fluid evaporation using a transmission electron microscope. Tracking real-time diffusion of both spherical (5-15 nm) and rod-shaped (5 x 10 nm) gold nanocrystals in a thin film of water-15% glycerol reveals complex movements, such as rolling motions coupled to large-step movements and macroscopic violations of the Stokes-Einstein relation for diffusion. As drying patches form during the final stages of evaporation, particle motion is dominated by the nearby retracting liquid front.