Crystallographic orientation of facets and planar defects in functional nanostructures elucidated by nano-focused coherent diffractive X-ray imaging

Nanoscale
Marie-Ingrid RichardS J Leake

Abstract

The physical and chemical properties of nanostructures depend on their surface facets. Here, we exploit a pole figure approach to determine the three-dimensional orientation matrix of a nanostructure from a single Bragg reflection measured with a coherent nano-focused X-ray beam. The signature of any truncated (faceted) crystal produces a crystal truncation rod, which corresponds to a streak of intensity in reciprocal space normal to the surface. When two or more non-parallel facets are present, both the crystal orientation and the crystal facets can be identified. This enables facets to be rapidly indexed and uncommon facets, and planar defects, that have been difficult to study before to be identified. We demonstrate the technique with (i) epitaxial core-shell InGaN/GaN multiple quantum-wells grown on GaN nanowires, where surface facets and planar defects are determined, and (ii) single randomly oriented highly faceted tetrahedrahexal Pt nanoparticles. The methodology is applicable to a broad range of nanocrystals and provides a unique insight into the connection between structure and properties of nanomaterials.

References

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Citations

Mar 12, 2019·Journal of Synchrotron Radiation·Steven J LeakeTobias U Schülli
Sep 3, 2020·Journal of Synchrotron Radiation·Anastasios PaterasReeju Pokharel
Apr 2, 2021·ACS Nano·Rafael A VicentePablo S Fernández
Sep 12, 2021·Nature Communications·Jérôme CarnisMarie-Ingrid Richard
Oct 2, 2021·Science Advances·Young Yong KimAndreas Stierle

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
transmission electron microscopy
electron diffraction
electron tomography
X-ray
imaging technique
scanning electron microscopy
scanning
thermal treatment

Software Mentioned

xrayutilities Python
MATLAB

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