Size Induced Structural Changes in Molybdenum Oxide Nanoparticles.

Christiansen, Troels Lindahl; Bøjesen, Espen D; Juelsholt, Mikkel; Etheridge, Joanne; Jensen, Kirsten M Ø · ACS Nano · 2019

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Nanosizing of metal oxide particles is a common strategy for improving materials properties; however, small particles often take structures different from the bulk material. MoO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles show a structure that is distinct from the bulk distorted rutile structure and which has not yet been determined. Here, we present a model for nanostructured MoO<sub>2</sub> obtained through detailed atomic pair distribution function analysis combined with high-resolution electron microscopy. Defects occur in the arrangement of [MoO<sub>6</sub>] octahedra, in both large (40-100 nm) nanoparticles, where the overall distorted rutile structure is preserved, and in small nanoparticles (<5 nm), where a new nanostructure is formed. The study provides a piece in the puzzle of understanding the structure/properties relationship of molybdenum oxides and further our understanding of the origin of structural changes taking place upon nanosizing in oxide materials.