Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles

Details Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles

2009-02-18

arxiv.org/abs/0902.3243v2

Langmuir 25, 7940-7953 (2009)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

PDF, 37 pages, 16 figures

Scientific paper

10.1021/la900613p

We report numerical investigations of a three-dimensional model of diffusive growth of fine particles, the internal structure of which corresponds to different crystal lattices. A growing cluster (particle) is immersed in, and exchanges monomer building blocks with a surrounding medium of diffusing (off-lattice) monomers. On-surface dynamics of the latter is accounted for by allowing, in addition to detachment, monomer motion to the neighboring vacant crystal sites, according to probabilistic rules mimicking local thermalization. The key new feature of our model is the focus on the growth of a single cluster, emerging as a crystalline core, without development of defects that can control large-scale growth modes. This single, defect-free core growth is imposed by the specific dynamical rules assumed. Our results offer a possible explanation of the experimentally observed shape uniformity, i.e., fixed, approximately even-sized proportions, in synthesis of uniform colloids and nanoparticles. We demonstrate the basic principles of well-defined particle shape emergence in such growth. Specifically, several shapes are possible for a given crystal structure. Formation of shapes that follow the crystal symmetry and are uniform, can be a result of the nonequilibrium nature of the growth process. The shape of a growing particle can be controlled by varying the relative rates of kinetic processes, as well as by adjusting the concentration of monomers in the surrounding medium.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shape Selection in Diffusive Growth of Colloids and Nanoparticles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-259304