3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
[MIS18-05] Exploring the non-equilibrium dynamics in crystallization with atomic-resolution electron microscopy
★Invited Papers
Keywords:Crystallization, Phase Transition, Polymorphism, Atomic Resolution, Transmission Electron Microscopy
With the advent of X-ray crystallography, our comprehension of the thermodynamically stable, static structures of crystals has significantly deepened. Conversely, investigating non-equilibrium dynamic processes, such as crystal nucleation and growth, has posed a considerable experimental challenge, primarily due to limitations in the temporal and spatial resolution of conventional analytical methods.
To overcome these challenges, recently in-situ microscopic observation techniques have been developed and applied to crystallization. In this context, we are developing a characteristic transmission electron microscopic technique, single-molecule atomic-resolution time-resolved electron microscopic (SMART-EM) imaging, and applying it to the observation of atomistic dynamics in crystallization. The technique enables the acquisition of cinematic information, elucidating the dynamic behaviors and interactions of atoms and molecules in nano-size clusters.
To achieve atomic-level observations of non-equilibrium dynamics in crystallization, we have utilized the nano-space inside and outside of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a designed reaction environment. The interior of CNTs can be utilized as “nano-flasks”, and the nucleation and crystal growth of alkali halides like sodium chloride NaCl were visualized. Through the observation, dynamic intermediates in these processes were characterized. Furthermore, the mechanism of polymorph selection in the nucleation of aluminum oxide was elucidated by using the surface of CNTs. In this talk, I will introduce the recent progress and discuss the relationship between observed nanoscopic non-equilibrium dynamics and macroscopic phase transition behavior.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the supervisors and the research collaborators: Prof. Eiichi Nakamura, Dr. Takayuki Nakamuro (The University of Tokyo), and Prof. Hiroki Nada (Tottori University).
To overcome these challenges, recently in-situ microscopic observation techniques have been developed and applied to crystallization. In this context, we are developing a characteristic transmission electron microscopic technique, single-molecule atomic-resolution time-resolved electron microscopic (SMART-EM) imaging, and applying it to the observation of atomistic dynamics in crystallization. The technique enables the acquisition of cinematic information, elucidating the dynamic behaviors and interactions of atoms and molecules in nano-size clusters.
To achieve atomic-level observations of non-equilibrium dynamics in crystallization, we have utilized the nano-space inside and outside of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a designed reaction environment. The interior of CNTs can be utilized as “nano-flasks”, and the nucleation and crystal growth of alkali halides like sodium chloride NaCl were visualized. Through the observation, dynamic intermediates in these processes were characterized. Furthermore, the mechanism of polymorph selection in the nucleation of aluminum oxide was elucidated by using the surface of CNTs. In this talk, I will introduce the recent progress and discuss the relationship between observed nanoscopic non-equilibrium dynamics and macroscopic phase transition behavior.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the supervisors and the research collaborators: Prof. Eiichi Nakamura, Dr. Takayuki Nakamuro (The University of Tokyo), and Prof. Hiroki Nada (Tottori University).