Records |
Author |
Ustarroz, J.; Hammons, J.A.; Altantzis, T.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H. |
Title ![sorted by Title field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
A generalized electrochemical aggregative growth mechanism |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Am Chem Soc |
Volume |
135 |
Issue |
31 |
Pages |
11550-11561 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
Abstract |
The early stages of nanocrystal nucleation and growth are still an active field of research and remain unrevealed. In this work, by the combination of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical characterization of the electrodeposition of different metals, we provide a complete reformulation of the VolmerWeber 3D island growth mechanism, which has always been accepted to explain the early stages of metal electrodeposition and thin-film growth on low-energy substrates. We have developed a Generalized Electrochemical Aggregative Growth Mechanism which mimics the atomistic processes during the early stages of thin-film growth, by incorporating nanoclusters as building blocks. We discuss the influence of new processes such as nanocluster self-limiting growth, surface diffusion, aggregation, and coalescence on the growth mechanism and morphology of the resulting nanostructures. Self-limiting growth mechanisms hinder nanocluster growth and favor coalescence driven growth. The size of the primary nanoclusters is independent of the applied potential and deposition time. The balance between nucleation, nanocluster surface diffusion, and coalescence depends on the material and the overpotential, and influences strongly the morphology of the deposits. A small extent of coalescence leads to ultraporous dendritic structures, large surface coverage, and small particle size. Contrarily, full recrystallization leads to larger hemispherical monocrystalline islands and smaller particle density. The mechanism we propose represents a scientific breakthrough from the fundamental point of view and indicates that achieving the right balance between nucleation, self-limiting growth, cluster surface diffusion, and coalescence is essential and opens new, exciting possibilities to build up enhanced supported nanostructures using nanoclusters as building blocks. |
Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
Washington, D.C. |
Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000323019400034 |
Publication Date |
2013-06-28 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0002-7863;1520-5126; |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
13.858 |
Times cited |
124 |
Open Access |
|
Notes |
Fow; Hercules |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 13.858; 2013 IF: 11.444 |
Call Number |
UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109453 |
Serial |
1323 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Ustarroz, J.; Altantzis, T.; Hammons, J.A.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H. |
Title ![sorted by Title field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
The role of nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization in the electrochemical deposition of platinum nanostructures |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2014 |
Publication |
Chemistry of materials |
Abbreviated Journal |
Chem Mater |
Volume |
26 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
2396-2406 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) |
Abstract |
By using an optimized characterization approach that combines aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography, and in situ ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), we show that the early stages of Pt electrochemical growth on carbon substrates may be affected by the aggregation, self-alignment, and partial coalescence of nanoclusters of d ≈ 2 nm. The morphology of the resulting nanostructures depends on the degree of coalescence and recrystallization of nanocluster aggregates, which in turn depends on the electrodeposition potential. At low overpotentials, a self-limiting growth mechanism may block the epitaxial growth of primary nanoclusters and results in loose dendritic aggregates. At more negative potentials, the extent of nanocluster coalescence and recrystallization is larger and further growth by atomic incorporation may be allowed. On one hand, this suggests a revision of the VolmerWeber island growth mechanism. Whereas this theory has traditionally assumed direct attachment as the only growth mechanism, it is suggested that nanocluster self-limiting growth, aggregation, and coalescence should also be taken into account during the early stages of nanoscale electrodeposition. On the other hand, depending on the deposition potential, ultrahigh porosities can be achieved, turning electrodeposition in an ideal process for highly active electrocatalyst production without the need of using high surface area carbon supports. |
Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
Washington, D.C. |
Editor |
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Language |
|
Wos |
000334572300026 |
Publication Date |
2014-03-10 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
0897-4756;1520-5002; |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
9.466 |
Times cited |
55 |
Open Access |
Not_Open_Access |
Notes |
FWO; contract no. FWOAL527 |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 9.466; 2014 IF: 8.354 |
Call Number |
UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116956 |
Serial |
2916 |
Permanent link to this record |