Spontaneous emergence of long-range shape symmetry.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 21142084.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/nl1032793.
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Abstract
Self-organization of matter is essential for natural pattern formation, chemical synthesis, as well as modern material science. Here we show that isovolumetric reactions of a single organometallic precursor allow symmetry breaking events from iron nuclei to the creation of different symmetric carbon structures: microspheres, nanotubes, and mirrored spiraling microcones. A mathematical model, based on mass conservation and chemical composition, quantitatively explains the shape growth. The genesis of such could have significant implications for material design.