Hydrodynamic assembly of two-dimensional layered double hydroxide nanostructures.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 30464298.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-018-07395-4 and PMC identifier 6249219.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Formation mechanisms of two-dimensional nanostructures in wet syntheses are poorly understood. Even more enigmatic is the influence of hydrodynamic forces. Here we use liquid flow cell transmission electron microscopy to show that layered double hydroxide, as a model material, may form via the oriented attachment of hexagonal nanoparticles; under hydrodynamic shear, oriented attachment is accelerated. To hydrodynamically manipulate the kinetics of particle growth and oriented attachment, we develop a microreactor with high and tunable shear rates, enabling control over particle size, crystallinity and aspect ratio. This work offers new insights in the formation of two-dimensional materials, provides a scalable yet precise synthesis method, and proposes new avenues for the rational engineering and scalable production of highly anisotropic nanostructures.