Anomalous Growth and Coalescence Dynamics of Hybrid Perovskite Nanoparticles Observed by Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Qin, Fuyu; Wang, Zhiwei; Wang, Zhong Lin · ACS Nano · 2016

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We report on in situ observations of nucleation, growth, and aggregation of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites by liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy. Direct crystallization of hybrid CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbI<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles is achieved through an electron beam-assisted solvent evaporation approach. Time-lapse liquid-cell TEM imaging of the nanoparticles reveals a growth trend which is not entirely consistent with the classical Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner growth model. Significantly complex dynamical behaviors are observed during the coalescence process of CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbI<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles. We propose that the chemical instability inherent in the hybrid perovskite iodides should be considered to understand this phenomenon in addition to the oriented attachment mechanism. This study provides a useful reference for understanding the intriguing chemical and physical properties of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites.